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  • President Yoon Discusses U.S. Investment Talks, Seeks National Interest
    President Yoon Discusses U.S. Investment Talks, Seeks National Interest President Yoon Suk Yeol stated on September 18 that discussions regarding U.S. investment negotiations are ongoing, noting, "While it is said that we are almost in agreement, there are parts that are difficult to accept, so we are talking again."During a press conference at the Blue House, President Yoon addressed questions about the progress of the U.S. investment negotiations and the timing of a final announcement. He emphasized that they are engaged in intense discussions to structure projects that benefit both South Korea and the U.S. without compromising the national interest.He described the U.S. investment as a "very complex and challenging task involving approximately 500 trillion won of taxpayer money." He added, "Initially, I was reluctant, but considering tariffs, U.S. relations, and agreements with neighboring countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore, I compromised."President Yoon highlighted that including the term 'commercial rationality' in the agreement between South Korea and the U.S. was not an easy process. He recounted, "Even on the morning of the day before the second summit last August, we had not reached an agreement, but ultimately, we included the expression 'commercial rationality' that we wanted, which is not found in other countries."He noted that as specific investment discussions began, issues such as the method of recovering investment funds, profit distribution, and handling losses became problematic again. He stated, "The working negotiation team is also facing difficulties, and I am losing sleep over these concerns."President Yoon reiterated his commitment to continue negotiations based on national interest, asserting, "National interest is truly important. We must not be swayed by any relationships, pressures, or coercion, which is my principle." However, he did not specify the timing for a final agreement or announcement.Regarding the U.S. demand for semiconductor factory expansions and balancing it with domestic mega-projects, he indicated that corporate management decisions and national industrial strategies would be considered together.He remarked, "Taiwan is also establishing semiconductor factories in the U.S., and Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are already building factories there. The scale of expansion will depend on the management decisions of those companies and is related to South Korea's industrial strategy."He added, "While respecting the opinions of companies, we will work towards a reasonable conclusion that protects South Korea's national interest, as this matter is still under discussion."Earlier, the government had planned to report the first U.S. investment project to the National Assembly on the 17th and sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. on the 18th. However, the schedule for the National Assembly report was postponed due to the need for further adjustments, which is expected to delay the announcement of the first investment project.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 12:32:00
  • KOSPI Rises Over 2% as Foreign and Institutional Investors Buy; SK Hynix Gains 5%
    KOSPI Rises Over 2% as Foreign and Institutional Investors Buy; SK Hynix Gains 5% The KOSPI index is continuing its upward trend, rising over 2% thanks to simultaneous net buying by foreign and institutional investors. Following a strong performance in semiconductor and artificial intelligence stocks on the U.S. market, major semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are driving the index higher. The KOSDAQ index is also maintaining its upward momentum.As of 12:15 p.m. on September 18, the KOSPI has risen by 173.62 points (2.59%) to 6,889.03 compared to the previous trading day. The index opened at 6,885.70, up 170.29 points (2.54%), and has continued to show a gain of over 2%.In the securities market, foreign and institutional investors have net bought 651.5 billion won and 759.2 billion won, respectively. In contrast, individual investors have net sold 2.304 trillion won.Most of the top market capitalization stocks are showing gains. Samsung Electronics is up 3.17%, SK Hynix has risen 5.27%, SK Square is up 5.46%, Samsung Electro-Mechanics has increased by 4.96%, and Hyundai Motor is up 1.10%. However, LG Energy Solution has decreased by 0.55%, and KB Financial is down 1.40%.The KOSDAQ index is also on the rise. At the same time, the KOSDAQ index has increased by 5.33 points (0.65%) to 827.51. The index opened at 832.72, up 10.54 points (1.28%), but has since given back some of its gains.In the KOSDAQ market, individual and institutional investors have net bought 18.6 billion won and 19.4 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors have net sold 44.5 billion won.Among the top market capitalization stocks, there is a mixed trend. Alteogen is down 0.20%, EcoPro has decreased by 0.97%, Juseong Engineering is down 0.98%, IOTechniques has dropped 1.73%, Simtech is down 1.95%, and Robotis has decreased by 0.81%. Conversely, EcoPro BM is up 1.17%, Rainbow Robotics has risen 0.93%, Wonik IPS is up 0.93%, and Rino Industrial has increased by 4.52%.Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) has decided to raise its short-term policy interest rate from the current level of around 1.0% to approximately 1.25%, marking the highest level in 31 years since 1995.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 12:32:00
  • Koo Yoon-cheol Emphasizes Need for New Industries as He Steps Down
    Koo Yoon-cheol Emphasizes Need for New Industries as He Steps Down Koo Yoon-cheol, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, emphasized the need to foster new industries to lead the South Korean economy as he stepped down on September 18. He urged staff to focus on field-oriented policies and innovation.During his farewell ceremony held at the Government Sejong Center, attended by over 350 employees, Koo stated, "If the Ministry of Economy and Finance collapses, South Korea collapses. You should take pride in that thought."Appointed as the first economic deputy prime minister of the current administration, Koo oversaw economic policy for one year and two months. His successor, Lee Hyung-il, the first vice minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, has been nominated and is awaiting confirmation from the National Assembly.Koo highlighted that securing future growth engines for the South Korean economy is a key task for the ministry. He remarked, "While managing prices, exchange rates, and growth is very important, it is also crucial to consider how to make the South Korean economy great and to cultivate industries to the extent that we can produce successors to memory semiconductors."Reflecting on his tenure, Koo expressed disappointment over the inability to visit sites since the outbreak of the Middle East war. He noted, "The most regrettable thing is that I couldn't visit the field since the war broke out in February. Before the war, I was very eager to foster industries related to super-innovation economy with the ministers of various departments."Koo urged employees to change their working methods, stating, "When new innovations and changes come, you must be the protagonists. Regardless of your department or job, start with the question, 'Is there a different way to do this?' That is innovation." He added, "Being disconnected from the field is meaningless, no matter how much effort you put in."He also stressed the importance of learning to respond to global economic and technological changes. Koo advised that maintaining innovative thinking and continuing to read and study is essential, particularly emphasizing the advantages of receiving AI education as soon as possible.Regarding his future plans after retirement, Koo expressed his intention to study graphene, stating, "I plan to explore graphene as my area of expertise." Graphene is a two-dimensional nanomaterial made of carbon, expected to be utilized in next-generation semiconductors and wearable devices.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 12:28:00
  • CHAGEE Opens Ninth Store at Lotte World with Localized Concept
    CHAGEE Opens Ninth Store at Lotte World with Localized Concept Global modern tea brand CHAGEE has opened its ninth store in South Korea, located at Lotte World in Jamsil, Seoul.On September 18, CHAGEE Korea announced the launch of the 'Lotte World Store,' a localized concept that blends the vibrant atmosphere of the amusement park with a modern premium tea culture.The Lotte World Store features distinctive lighting designs and dynamic wall decorations inspired by amusement rides, creating a lively space for families, couples, and friends to enjoy tea before or after their visits to the park.Exclusive menu items available at the Lotte World Store include the 'Rainbow Chocolate Cookie Tea-Espresso Frappe' and a dessert shaped like an amusement ride, the 'Saint Honore Chocolate Cake.'To celebrate the opening, various promotions and events will be held. Customers purchasing drinks can buy a 'Bestie Brew Crew' blind box for 5,000 won. On the opening day, the first 200 customers who buy a large drink will receive a 'Constellation Keyring.'A grand opening event will also be held for selected customers chosen through a pre-event on social media. Invited guests will receive the two exclusive menu items, a Bestie Brew Crew blind box, and free admission tickets to Lotte World. The event will feature performances by a marching band and a parade.CHAGEE operates a total of nine stores in South Korea, starting with its flagship store in Gangnam, followed by locations in Yongsan I-Park Mall, Sinchon, City Hall Station, Yeoksam, Konkuk University, Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam, Jongno, and now the Lotte World Store.Kim Jwa-hyun, CEO of CHAGEE Korea, stated, "The Lotte World Store captures the joy and excitement of the amusement park in a unique CHAGEE atmosphere. We will continue to create stores that reflect the characteristics of their locations, allowing customers to enjoy premium tea culture in their daily lives."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 12:20:00
  • President Lee: Leverage ETF Policy Had Flaws
    President Lee: Leverage ETF Policy Had Flaws 이재명 대통령은 18일 단일종목 레버리지 상장지수펀드(ETF) 도입과 관련해 “정부 정책에 불완전성이 있었던 것 같다”며 “부족함이 있었던 것은 맞다”고 밝혔다.이 대통령은 이날 청와대에서 열린 기자회견에서 레버리지 ETF 도입 결정에 대한 평가를 묻는 취재진의 질문에 이같이 답했다.다만 이 대통령은 도입 당시의 정책적 취지 자체는 타당한 측면이 있었다고 설명했다. 그는 “이미 홍콩 등 해외에 삼성전자와 SK하이닉스 등에 대한 레버리지 ETF 상품이 개설돼 있었다”며 “국내에는 제도가 없어 국내 투자자들이 해외로 계속 나간다는 보고를 받았다”고 말했다.이어 “당시는 환율이 상당히 높고 주가도 계속 상승하던 시기였다”며 “국내 투자자들이 해외에서 관련 상품을 사는 대신 국내에서 투자하게 하면 외환시장 안정에 도움이 되고 국내 투자도 활성화할 수 있다는 논리였다”고 전했다.그러나 관련 상품이 주가 상승 국면의 막바지에 출시되면서 투자자 손실이 확대됐다고 진단했다. 이 대통령은 “대량 매수가 이뤄진 뒤 주가가 하락세로 전환되면서 손실이 두 배로 확대됐고, 피해를 본 분들이 상당히 있었던 것 같다”고 말했다. 그러면서 “나중에 보완한 장치들을 처음부터 갖췄어야 하는 것 아니냐는 비판은 가능하다”고 말했다.정부는 지난 4월 관련 규제를 정비한 뒤 5월 삼성전자와 SK하이닉스 등 개별 종목의 하루 수익률을 두 배로 추종하는 ETF를 도입했다. 해외로 빠져나가던 투자 수요를 국내로 돌려 외화 유출을 줄이겠다는 취지였지만, 반도체주 하락 과정에서 손실이 커지면서 투자자 보호가 미흡했다는 비판이 제기됐다. 이후 정부는 기본예탁금과 거래 단위 등을 포함한 보완책을 마련했다.한편 현재 공석인 대통령실 정책실장 인선에 대해서는 “여전히 고심 중”이라고 밝혔다.이 대통령은 “지금까지는 경제 회복과 지속 성장, 성장 동력 확보에 국가의 거의 모든 역량을 집중했다”며 “일단 살아야 한다는 생각이었고, 지금은 상황이 상당히 개선됐다”고 평가했다.이어 “그동안 부족했다고 느낀 사회정책을 강화하는 쪽으로 정책의 중심을 조금 이동해야 하지 않느냐는 지적도 있다”며 “그 점까지 고려해 적합한 인물을 찾고 있다”고 말했다.앞서 김용범 전 정책실장은 지난 1일 취임 15개월 만에 사퇴했다. 당시 정치권과 일부 언론에서는 단일종목 레버리지 ETF와 부동산 정책 등을 둘러싼 책임론이 사퇴 배경으로 거론됐다* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 12:08:00
  • CJ Freshway Shares Meal Service Expertise with Capital Defense Command
    CJ Freshway Shares Meal Service Expertise with Capital Defense Command CJ Freshway has begun supporting the improvement of military meal quality by sharing advanced group meal service expertise with officials from the Capital Defense Command.On September 17, CJ Freshway invited Major Gu Ji-hye, a logistics planning officer from the Capital Defense Command, along with military supply officials, nutritionists, and cooks to its headquarters in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, for a private group meal service tour program. This initiative was designed to help the Capital Defense Command benchmark excellent civilian meal service examples to enhance its military meal operations.During the program, CJ Freshway introduced its overall catering operation system and shared hygiene management standards and efficient menu operation strategies that can be immediately applied in military meal settings.In the hygiene education segment, the focus was on foodborne illness prevention guidelines and key food safety risk management strategies. Participants were provided with step-by-step response guides based on real-world case studies of potential hygiene issues.Following the presentations, attendees visited the 'Greenteria' cafeteria at CJ Freshway's headquarters to observe efficient kitchen layouts, serving systems, and examples of space management that enhance customer satisfaction. They also sampled specialized military meal menu items developed in-house, such as bulgogi pasta salad, mango cream shrimp, and herb chicken tacos, which consider soldiers' preferences and nutritional balance.CJ Freshway currently manages group meal services for major military units, including the Air Force Operations Command Support Group, the 5th Air Mobility Wing, the Army's 1st Transportation Training Regiment, and the 1st Marine Division. In the second quarter of this year, the Air Force Operations Command Support Group ranked first in a civilian meal service performance evaluation, further establishing its operational capabilities in military meal service.Meanwhile, the introduction of civilian contracting for military meals began in earnest in 2022 with a pilot program involving ten units, including the Army Training Center. The number of contracted units has been steadily increasing, with 13 in 2023, 26 in 2024, and 49 in 2025.A CJ Freshway official stated, "This site visit is significant as it allows military meal service officials to directly verify the operational systems and quality management capabilities of a specialized civilian meal service company. We will continue to enhance the quality of military meals through customized menu development that considers the characteristics of each unit and soldiers' preferences, along with thorough hygiene management."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 12:08:00
  • Public Sector Deficit Exceeds 83 Trillion Won Amid Increased Spending
    Public Sector Deficit Exceeds 83 Trillion Won Amid Increased Spending Last year, the public sector, including central and local governments and public enterprises, recorded a deficit exceeding 83 trillion won. Increased government private transfer expenditures, such as consumer recovery coupons, and investments in housing by public enterprises led to a significant rise in total expenditures, resulting in a deficit for the sixth consecutive year.According to the Bank of Korea's '2025 Public Sector Accounts (Provisional)' report released on September 18, the public sector's balance was recorded at a deficit of 83.1 trillion won last year, an increase of 14 trillion won from the previous year's deficit of 69.1 trillion won. The public sector includes general government (central government, local government, social security funds) and public enterprises (non-financial and financial public enterprises).Total public sector revenue was 1,192.1 trillion won, up 52 trillion won (4.7%) from the previous year, driven by increases in tax revenue (corporate tax, income tax) and social contributions. In contrast, total expenditures rose to 1,275.2 trillion won, an increase of 62 trillion won (5.5%), influenced by higher current transfers and final consumption expenditures by the general government.The increase in corporate tax revenue last year was largely due to improved corporate operating profits in 2024, as corporate tax reflects the previous year's performance. Income tax also rose by over 10 trillion won, influenced by nominal wage increases. The total wage growth rate for regular workers was 2.9%, while the special benefits growth rate was 4.3%.Lee Hyun-young, head of the Bank of Korea's Expenditure and National Income Team, stated, "The expansion of the public sector deficit last year was primarily due to the government's private transfer expenditures and housing-related investments by public enterprises. With GDP growth at only 1.1% and a slowdown in growth due to poor construction performance, the government increased direct and indirect expenditures to stimulate the economy."By sector, the general government recorded a deficit of 60.1 trillion won, widening by 2.6 trillion won from the previous year's deficit of 57.5 trillion won.The general government's total revenue was 903.2 trillion won, an increase of 54.6 trillion won (6.4%) from the previous year, due to increases in property income and tax revenue. However, total expenditures rose to 963.3 trillion won, an increase of 57.3 trillion won, worsening the balance.Notably, final consumption expenditures, including health insurance benefits, and other current transfers increased significantly. The increase in other current transfers was approximately 24.2 trillion won, of which 13.5 trillion won was allocated for consumer recovery coupons. This also included additional budget expenditures for livelihood stability, such as support for small businesses.While the central government saw an increase in total revenue, the larger increase in total expenditures led to a deficit of 90.1 trillion won, up from 83.8 trillion won the previous year. The local government significantly reduced its deficit from 15.5 trillion won to 2 trillion won.Social security funds, including the National Pension, Civil Servants Pension, and National Health Insurance, recorded a surplus of 32 trillion won, although this was a decrease of 9.8 trillion won from the previous year. This was due to a larger increase in social benefits compared to contributions and health insurance premiums.The public sector has recorded deficits for six consecutive years since the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the third instance of six consecutive years of deficits, following a similar trend from 2008 to 2013.The general government deficit ratio to GDP was recorded at -2.2%. Excluding social security funds, the ratio was -3.4%, which is lower than the OECD average (-4.4%) and the Eurozone average (-2.9%).Looking ahead, there are indications that the public sector balance may improve. The semiconductor industry is experiencing a boom this year, and the increase in insurance premium rates for the National Pension and health insurance is expected to positively impact the public sector balance by slowing the decline in social security fund surpluses.Lee added, "With the semiconductor boom expected to significantly increase corporate and income tax revenues starting this year, we anticipate a reduction in the deficit by 2026 and a potential turnaround to a surplus in 2027."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 12:04:00
  • Use of Mobile Payment Services Rises 16.8% in First Half of 2026
    Use of Mobile Payment Services Rises 16.8% in First Half of 2026 In the first half of 2026, the use of mobile payment and electronic payment processing services continued to grow at double-digit rates. Both the number and amount of mobile payment transactions increased, while person-to-person transfer transactions saw a decrease in volume but a significant rise in value.According to a report released by the Bank of Korea on September 18, the average daily usage of mobile payment services in the first half of this year reached 38.22 million transactions, with a total amount of 12.264 trillion won, marking increases of 12.8% and 16.8%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.Mobile payments refer to services that allow transactions and transfers using only simplified authentication methods, such as biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition) and passwords, following the abolition of certified digital signatures in March 2015.By provider, the share of electronic financial companies like Naver Pay and Kakao Pay increased by 0.3 percentage points to 55.4%, primarily driven by prepaid electronic payment methods. In contrast, the shares of mobile manufacturers and financial institutions decreased to 23.3% and 21.2%, respectively, down by 0.3 and 0.2 percentage points.In the first half of this year, the average daily usage of person-to-person transfer services was 7.433 million transactions, a 1.5% decrease from the previous year, while the average daily amount increased by 19.8% to 1.1728 trillion won.Among electronic payment services, the average daily usage of electronic payment processing services reached 36.75 million transactions, with a total amount of 17.234 trillion won, reflecting increases of 12.1% and 12.6%, respectively.Electronic payment processing services facilitate the collection of payments from buyers in e-commerce and ensure that these funds are ultimately transferred to sellers by transmitting and receiving payment information or acting as an intermediary for settlement.In terms of payment methods, credit card processing accounted for 74.2% of the total amount in PG services, with usage increasing by 12.8% compared to the previous year, while the amount for bank transfers also rose by 16.7%. 2026-09-18 12:04:00
  • Democratic Party Establishes Youth Hub Hub 123 to Amplify Young Voices
    Democratic Party Establishes Youth Hub 'Hub 123' to Amplify Young Voices The Democratic Party of Korea is establishing a youth civic center, tentatively named 'Hub 123,' near Hapjeong Station in Seoul. The initiative aims to create a space where young people can freely express their opinions and where the party can develop related policies.Park Sung-jun, the party's chief spokesperson, spoke to reporters after a closed Supreme Council meeting on the 18th, stating, "Representative Kim Min-seok has proposed creating a space for the youth generation to gather their opinions and voice them." He added that various conditions were assessed before deciding on the Hapjeong area.Park explained that the name 'Hub 123' reflects the intention to encompass individuals in their teens, twenties, and thirties, as well as commemorating the day the martial law was lifted on December 3. He noted, "We are preparing a space where youth policies can be formulated and where young people can freely share their stories," and mentioned plans to install microphones for youth in the open studio area.Initially, the Democratic Party intended to set up the youth center near Gwanghwamun in Jongno, but due to space constraints, they opted for a building located between Hapjeong and Mangwon stations.Meanwhile, the Supreme Council also made additional appointments on the same day. Kwon Hyang-yeop was appointed as the chair of the Small and Medium Enterprises Special Committee, Boo Seung-chan as the chair of the Northeast Asia Peace Cooperation Special Committee, and Lee Joo-hee as the chair of the Information and Communication Special Committee. Additionally, a task force for the normalization of the liquidation association proposed by Kim Young-ho and a task force for a student-exclusive smartphone project for the Alpha generation were also established.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 12:00:10
  • President Lee: We Will Move Beyond Real Estate Republic, Increase Housing Supply Quickly
    President Lee: We Will Move Beyond Real Estate Republic, Increase Housing Supply Quickly President Lee Jae-myung stated on September 18 that the government's primary task is to move South Korea beyond being a "real estate speculation republic" and to increase housing supply as quickly as possible through land development and urban renewal projects. During a press conference at the Blue House, President Lee responded to questions about the declining housing prices in the three districts of Gangnam while prices in northern Seoul are rising rapidly, increasing the burden on the middle class and low-income families. He asserted, "We will take all possible measures in regulations, supply, and taxation, so the real estate market will gradually stabilize." He identified the concentration of economic power, infrastructure, jobs, and educational and cultural conditions in the capital region as the fundamental cause of housing price instability. This concentration leads to high housing demand while the supply of homes and land remains limited. "The answer lies in the cause," he emphasized, stating that the government is committed to a policy of balanced national development. He plans to encourage corporate investment in local areas, redistribute finances to regions, and expedite the construction of an administrative capital along with the relocation of central government agencies and public enterprises to invigorate local economies. President Lee also pointed to the long-standing "real estate invincibility myth" as a significant factor contributing to the issue. He explained that the relative deprivation felt by those unable to acquire property, coupled with the fear of missing out on real estate asset appreciation, fuels demand for home purchases. He criticized past government policies for exacerbating this trend, including initiatives that encouraged people to buy homes with debt and tax cuts aimed at increasing housing demand, which he claims intensified the concentration of real estate. In the short term, he noted that reduced housing supply and expanded lending have contributed to rising prices. He claimed that since the Yoon Suk-yeol administration took office in 2022, the number of building permits and construction starts has significantly decreased, and the lifting of land transaction restrictions has led to sharp price increases in certain areas. Regarding the contrasting housing price trends in Gangnam and outer regions, he stated, "The decline in Gangnam is beginning to spread, while outer areas are rising, indicating a sort of flattening process." He emphasized the need for project-specific checks to expand supply, stating, "The Prime Minister's office is monitoring this daily, and I receive weekly reports to verify progress at specific locations." He noted that the number of building permits is increasing, with related data to be released soon. While expanding financial support for housing supply, he expressed his intention to maintain existing lending policies on the demand side. He addressed criticisms regarding the expansion of finance while pursuing housing price stability, stating, "That is a targeted policy," and emphasized that they are maximizing financial support in areas that can increase housing supply. He also pledged to expedite the relocation of public enterprises and national agencies to Sejong, asserting, "Many have tried but failed. However, I can assure you that this government will succeed," reiterating his commitment to stabilizing the real estate market. He added that detailed policies are being developed to address the difficulties faced by tenants.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-18 12:00:00