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President Yoon Discusses Expanding Economic Cooperation with France 이재명 대통령이 프랑스 국빈 방문을 계기로 이재용 삼성전자 회장과 구자은 LS 회장, 조현준 효성 회장 등 양국 주요 기업인들을 만나 한·프랑스 경제협력 확대 방안을 논의한다. 강유정 청와대 수석대변인은 8일(현지시간) 서면 브리핑을 통해 이 대통령이 이날 오후 프랑스 파리에서 열리는 ‘한·프랑스 비즈니스 라운드테이블’에 참석한다고 밝혔다. 한국경제인연합회와 프랑스경제인협회가 공동 주최하는 이번 행사에는 양국 기업인 20여명과 정부 인사를 포함해 총 30여명이 참석한다. 한국 측에서는 류진 한경협 회장을 비롯해 이재용 회장과 구자은 회장, 조현준 회장, 류재철 LG전자 사장, 성김 현대자동차 사장, 나상섭 한화토탈에너지스 대표, 최수연 네이버 대표, 서진석 셀트리온 대표 등이 자리한다. 프랑스 측에서는 프랑스경제인협회 한·불 경제협력위원회의 자코브 위원장을 비롯해 BNP 파리바 르미에르 회장과 로레알 이에로니무스 대표 등이 참석한다. 라운드테이블에서는 양국 주요 기업인들이 △첨단산업 △에너지 및 지속가능 화학 △탈탄소 모빌리티와 인프라·금융 △헬스·뷰티 등 4개 분야의 대표적인 협력 사례를 공유한다. 이를 토대로 기업 간 실질적인 협력을 확대하기 위한 방안도 논의할 예정이다. 이 대통령은 참석 기업들로부터 한·프랑스 비즈니스 협력 확대에 관한 의견을 청취한다. 이어 세계 경제의 전환기를 맞아 공동의 가치와 신뢰를 공유하는 한국과 프랑스 간 경제협력의 중요성을 강조할 예정이다. 앞서 이 대통령은 이날 오전 김혜경 여사와 함께 파리 개선문에서 열린 공식환영식에 참석하고 무명용사의 묘에 헌화했다. 이 대통령은 프랑스 참전용사회 위원들과 인사를 나눈 뒤 방명록에 “이름없는 영웅들의 헌신과 희생을 영원히 기억하겠습니다”라고 적었다. 이 대통령 부부는 이후 한국전 기념동판을 방문하고 한국전 참전용사와 유족들을 격려했다. 이 대통령은 참전용사들의 손을 한 명씩 잡으며 “감사합니다”, “덕분에 대한민국이 인정받는 나라로 발전했습니다”, “결코 잊어버릴 수 없습니다”라고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 20:16:00 -
Samsung Electronics Opens Advanced Packaging Research Center in Yokohama with 35 Billion Won Investment Samsung Electronics has launched an advanced packaging research center in Yokohama, aiming to enhance its technological competitiveness.According to reports from Yonhap News and the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), the company held an opening ceremony for the 'Advanced Package Lab' in Yokohama's Minato Mirai area. Samsung plans to invest 40 billion yen (approximately 35 billion won) over the next five years, starting in 2024, to develop advanced packaging technologies.The company intends to recruit more than 100 research personnel at this facility by next year. Advanced packaging refers to post-processing technologies that integrate semiconductors, such as artificial intelligence (AI) accelerators and high-bandwidth memory (HBM).Samsung aims to establish the Advanced Package Lab as a global research and development hub for next-generation packaging technologies, while also strengthening collaborations with local materials, parts, and equipment companies and research facilities.Yokohama is considered advantageous for semiconductor technology development and talent acquisition due to its proximity to the University of Tokyo, Yokohama National University, and leading semiconductor materials and equipment companies like Resonaq and Disco.The opening ceremony was attended by about 100 people, including Jeon Young-hyun, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions Division, as well as representatives from the Japanese government, local authorities, and partner companies.Industry experts expect that the establishment of the research center will enhance technological competitiveness by combining Japan's strong materials and components ecosystem with Samsung's semiconductor design and manufacturing capabilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 20:16:00
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IFA 2026 Wrap-Up: Beyond Appliances with AI Assistants and Robotics The IFA 2026, Europe’s largest consumer electronics show, concluded on September 8. This year, Chinese companies showcased a significant number of AI appliances and humanoid and service robots, demonstrating advanced technology. Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics prominently featured their concepts of 'AI assistants' for household tasks, indicating a shift in IFA from a traditional electronics exhibition to a competitive arena for AI and robotics technology.According to industry sources, IFA 2026, which took place in Berlin, Germany, expanded its focus beyond traditional appliances to include AI, robotics, and digital health, aligning with the exhibition's theme, 'The Future Is Now.' The emphasis has shifted from last year's focus on 'AI Home' to 'Physical AI,' where AI and robots interact with people in real-world settings.Samsung presented its 'AI Living' concept, integrating appliances, TVs, mobile devices, and wearables. LG showcased its AI home hub 'ThinQ On' and the functional AI agent 'ThinQ Claw,' which anticipates user needs and executes necessary functions. This indicates a broader role for AI, evolving from product control to managing overall household tasks.The presence of robots at the show was notably enhanced. IFA introduced 'Robots on the Runway' for the first time, featuring 11 types of humanoid robots performing dances and martial arts. Chinese companies like Unitree and Aijibot showcased their innovations, with some even engaging in sales inquiries and business discussions on-site. This marked the first time robots occupied a dedicated stage at a consumer electronics exhibition.The competition in robotics extended beyond humanoids. Chinese firms, initially focused on robotic vacuum cleaners, have expanded their offerings to include robots designed for specific tasks, such as window cleaning and lawn maintenance. Some robots demonstrated the ability to perform complete tasks, such as tightening screws or handling laundry. The commercialization of task-specific robots is progressing faster than that of general-purpose humanoids.Industry analysts noted that China played a central role in this trend. This year, 932 Chinese companies participated in IFA, nearly half of the total exhibitors. Established electronics brands like TCL, Hisense, and Haier were joined by specialized robotics firms. The increase in participation was not just in numbers; the range of exhibits expanded to include high-efficiency, premium appliances, AI ecosystems, and robotics. Xiaomi, in its first IFA appearance, showcased a seamless integration of smartphones, appliances, and vehicles, along with its own AI semiconductors and models. This shift indicates that Chinese companies are moving beyond 'value-for-money' appliances to compete on technology platforms in Europe.Domestic companies are also accelerating their robotics initiatives. LG presented its home robot 'Cloyde' as a hub connected to AI appliances, expanding the role of robots as 'AI assistants.' LG announced plans for a robot platform that includes both wheeled and bipedal designs. While Samsung emphasized its SmartThings-based AI home at IFA, it recently established a dedicated organization for robotics, preparing to enter the humanoid market.Meanwhile, industry experts suggest that with the confirmed technological gap between Chinese and domestic companies, Samsung and LG must advance their AI home and robotics offerings to secure market leadership. Baek Seung-tae, head of LG's HS Business Division, stated, 'While it may not be immediate, robots will ultimately reach a peak. In a zero-labor home, the most crucial form factor will be robots.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 20:12:00
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Korean Air Pilots Union Plans First Rally Amid Seniority Dispute The Korean Air pilots' union is set to hold its first rally regarding the integration of seniority, as negotiations with management have stalled, escalating the conflict into external protests. Following a request for mediation from the Labor Relations Commission, the union is now taking collective action, introducing a new variable in the lead-up to the merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines.According to industry sources, the pilots' union plans to conduct rallies at multiple locations next week, including in front of the residence of Cho Won-tae, chairman of Hanjin Group. This marks the first time the union has organized a rally over the seniority disputes that have arisen during the merger process with Asiana Airlines.Seniority is a critical factor that affects not only the promotion order for pilots but also the types of aircraft they operate, flight routes, monthly flight hours, and wage structures. The criteria for reassigning seniority can significantly alter individual pilots' promotion timelines. Korean Air is working to establish a unified seniority system for pilots from both airlines as part of the merger.Despite four rounds of negotiations over the seniority integration plan, the two sides have failed to reach an agreement. Following a meeting at the end of last month that did not narrow their differences, the union decided to pursue both external protests and the acquisition of dispute rights. A union representative stated, "The company is the one that has divided the pilots of both airlines. They should not mislead the situation by setting a hierarchy without consulting either side and portraying those who raise objections as a group that disregards the other pilots."The core issue lies in the differing fundamental perceptions of seniority between the union and management. Korean Air maintains that seniority falls under the company's inherent personnel authority, while the union argues that the collective agreement stipulates the need for mutual consent on the ranking system for flight crew members.Recent amendments to labor union laws are expected to further inflame these labor disputes. The Ministry of Employment and Labor stated on September 3 that while management decisions regarding business performance bonuses are generally not subject to mandatory negotiations, changes in working conditions, such as reassignment or alterations in work patterns, could become subjects of negotiation and dispute if they are deemed to affect pilots' promotion order, status, and compensation.Alongside the rally, the union is also working to secure dispute rights. Negotiations for the 2024 collective agreement and the 2025 wage agreement have not reached a consensus, prompting the union to request mediation from the Seoul Regional Labor Relations Commission the previous day. If the commission decides to suspend mediation, the union will gain dispute rights. The airline industry is classified as an essential public service under labor law, and the mediation period lasts 15 days from the date of application. If a strike occurs, it would mark the first labor action in nearly a decade since December 2016.A Korean Air representative countered, "Promotion criteria are an inherent authority of the employer. Based on an analysis reflecting the scale of the fleet and the need for pilots after the merger, we found that the promotion timeline for Korean Air pilots has not been delayed compared to pre-merger expectations; in fact, over 90% are expected to be expedited."The representative added, "The company has already developed a promotion ranking plan through external consulting to minimize unnecessary conflicts between pilots of both airlines. We urge the union to cease extreme and unilateral claims that hinder the merger and to stop the dispute resolution process." 2026-09-08 19:28:00
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Air Premia Begins Rights Offering to Overcome Capital Erosion Air Premia, currently facing capital erosion, has initiated the rights offering process. The company aims to stabilize its deteriorating financial structure through this funding effort.According to the airline industry on September 8, Air Premia will conduct a rights offering worth 110 billion won for shareholders on the 18th. The payment date is set for the 29th, with the actual amount of funds raised expected to become clear by the end of this month or early next month.This rights offering is critical for improving Air Premia's financial structure. Previously, in September 2024, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport ordered the company to enhance its financial stability.In response, Air Premia decided in July to pursue a rights offering to strengthen its financial structure and business foundation. The company plans to issue 550 million new common shares to existing shareholders, aiming to raise 110 billion won.Air Premia's financial situation has been worsening. As of the end of last year, its capital was 146.8 billion won, but total equity fell to negative 47.1 billion won, resulting in complete capital erosion. The capital erosion rate increased to 131.8%, up 50.4 percentage points from 81.4% in 2024.Despite recording its highest revenue of 593.6 billion won last year, Air Premia reported an operating loss of 32.1 billion won, primarily due to increased aircraft acquisition and maintenance costs.To improve its financial structure, Air Premia conducted a capital reduction in April, which included changing the par value and consolidating shares, reducing its capital from 146.8 billion won to 16.3 billion won. The company now plans to bolster its capital through this rights offering.The success of the rights offering is crucial. Since it is being conducted on a preferential basis for existing shareholders, the amount of funds Air Premia can secure will depend on how much of the allocated shares existing shareholders are willing to purchase.Industry insiders believe that Air Premia needs to secure at least 50 billion won to resolve its capital erosion issues. However, there is uncertainty about the success of the rights offering given the current downturn in the low-cost airline market.One industry official stated, "Given the downturn in the low-cost airline sector, it is difficult to guarantee the success of the rights offering. Securing more than half of the target amount is essential to find a path to normalization."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 19:24:00
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Korean Heavy Industry Eyes U.S. Nuclear and Energy Investment Boom Amid Semiconductor Uncertainty As South Korea and the United States focus their investment projects on the nuclear and energy sectors, domestic industries are experiencing mixed reactions. Companies in heavy industry, such as gas turbine and nuclear equipment manufacturers, are optimistic about potential contracts from the U.S., while the semiconductor sector, which has already committed over 60 trillion won to U.S. investments, is increasingly concerned about reduced subsidies and tariff burdens.According to industry sources, the South Korean government is in the final stages of negotiations for a $350 billion investment project in the U.S. The first project under consideration involves the construction of a 6.3 GW gas combined cycle power plant and a large nuclear power plant in Encinada, Texas.Industry experts predict that domestic companies will see expanded business opportunities, particularly in gas turbines, power and nuclear equipment, and plant EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction). Doosan Enerbility is expected to be the biggest beneficiary, as large gas turbines and nuclear equipment are its core business areas.Doosan Enerbility is the only company in South Korea capable of independently developing and producing large gas turbines for power generation. It has recently secured multiple gas turbine supply contracts in the U.S., demonstrating its recognized product technology and quality. Industry estimates suggest that if 12 to 14 gas turbines are ordered for this project, the potential contract value could reach approximately 3.6 trillion to 4.2 trillion won.Further benefits are anticipated from subsequent nuclear projects. Doosan Enerbility possesses the capability to manufacture key components such as reactors and steam generators and has established partnerships with U.S. small modular reactor (SMR) companies.Other power equipment manufacturers, including HD Hyundai Electric, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and LS Electric, are also optimistic about securing new contracts. The construction of power plants will necessitate the establishment of transmission and distribution networks to deliver generated electricity to demand centers like AI data centers, leading to increased demand for transformers and circuit breakers.Opportunities in the LNG sector are also expected to expand. Samsung E&C is poised to benefit in the areas of liquefaction and gas processing plant design, procurement, and construction (EPC), while the shipbuilding and steel industries are likely to gain from LNG carrier construction and related steel supply.In contrast, the semiconductor industry is on high alert regarding uncertainties stemming from U.S. investments. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are accelerating the construction of local fabs in Texas and Indiana, but negotiations for practical support measures, including delays in semiconductor law subsidies and potential tariff burdens, are proving challenging.Particularly, the Trump administration has intensified pressure for local production by prioritizing tariffs over subsidies, increasing the burden on companies. Recently, President Trump stated, "If we impose high tariffs without providing subsidies, companies will build factories in the U.S. on their own," indicating a negative stance toward the existing subsidy system.Domestic companies that have already committed substantial local investments now face the prospect of reduced subsidy benefits alongside the possibility of additional tariffs on domestically produced products.Heo Jun-young, a professor at Sogang University, noted, "While uncertainties remain regarding tariffs for semiconductors, significant investments by domestic companies in the U.S. are already underway, providing ample future business opportunities. However, it is crucial to see how much of the investment plans discussed between South Korea and the U.S. translate into actual projects." He emphasized the importance of preventing further pressure from the U.S. that could destabilize existing investments and negotiations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 19:20:10
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Samsung Display's OLED Supply to Xiaomi Halved Amid Rising Apple Dependence Chinese display manufacturers are rapidly expanding their influence in the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) market, supported by domestic smartphone companies like Huawei and Xiaomi. As a result, the position of South Korean firms such as Samsung Display in the Chinese smartphone supply chain is shrinking, while their dependence on Apple is becoming increasingly pronounced.According to market research firm UbiResearch, Samsung Display's cumulative OLED shipments to Xiaomi for the first three quarters of this year are expected to reach 6.8 million units, a 46.9% decrease from 12.8 million units during the same period last year. Notably, while flexible OLEDs accounted for about 5% of Samsung Display's shipments to Xiaomi last year, this year, nearly all shipments consist of rigid OLEDs. This shift has occurred as Chinese panel makers have expanded their supply of flexible OLEDs for Xiaomi's flagship and mid-range smartphones, narrowing Samsung Display's focus to budget-friendly rigid products.The influence of Chinese panel makers is also evident in the foldable OLED segment. Shipments of foldable OLEDs from Chinese manufacturers increased from approximately 1.3 million units in 2021 to over 10 million units last year. BOE supplies foldable OLEDs to Huawei, Oppo, and Vivo, while TCL China Star (CSOT) provides them to Motorola, Xiaomi, and Honor. With Huawei and Xiaomi recently unveiling new foldable smartphones, Chinese companies are strengthening their foothold in the premium market, creating a stable demand base for local panel makers.The penetration of Chinese panel makers into the OLED market is expected to accelerate. UbiResearch forecasts that the combined global market share of four Chinese panel companies—BOE, CSOT, Visionox, and Tianma—will exceed 50% for the first time next year. While Samsung Display's market share is projected to decline from 61.9% this year to 41% by 2030, BOE's share is expected to rise from 25.5% to 32.8% during the same period.Despite the growing influence of domestic panel makers in the Chinese smartphone supply chain, South Korean companies still dominate the global premium market. In the first quarter of this year, Samsung Display supplied 59% of OLEDs for iPhones, while LG Display accounted for 27%, together making up 86% of the total. BOE's share was 14%. Samsung Display is also expected to exclusively supply OLEDs for Apple's first foldable iPhone.However, a concerning trend is emerging as the South Korean display industry becomes increasingly concentrated on a single client, Apple. Last year, approximately 90% of Samsung Display's smartphone OLED shipments were directed to Samsung Electronics and Apple. This year, the company is expanding its collaboration with Apple by supplying not only the foldable iPhone but also OLED panels for the iPad Mini and MacBook Pro.LG Display is also experiencing a similar trend. According to the company's business report, revenue from its largest customer reached 14.8359 trillion won, accounting for 57.5% of total revenue last year. The revenue share from its largest customer has increased from 44.9% in 2022 to 52.1% in 2023, and then to 53.7% in 2024, soaring to 57% last year. Although the customer is not publicly identified, industry insiders believe it to be Apple.While the Apple-centric supply structure may provide short-term stability with high-value orders, experts warn that long-term customer diversification is necessary. The performance and utilization rates of domestic panel manufacturers could be heavily influenced by the product strategies and sales performance of a single client, especially as Chinese companies like BOE are also expanding their entry into Apple's supply chain.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 19:20:00
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K-Semiconductor Investment Faces Uncertainty Amid U.S. Subsidy Talks The South Korean government is accelerating negotiations for a U.S. investment package, but support for K-semiconductors appears to be sidelined. As energy projects like LNG and nuclear power take priority, negotiations for subsidies and tariff exemptions for local semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have stalled for months.According to government and industry sources on September 8, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has reportedly excluded key elements related to K-semiconductor support from its report on the progress of U.S. investment negotiations to the National Assembly. While the Korea-U.S. Strategic Investment Operating Committee has prioritized energy projects, the urgent issues of subsidies and tariffs for domestic semiconductor companies, which are investing 60 trillion won locally, have not even been raised as agenda items.Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are investing massive amounts of money to build large-scale production infrastructure in the U.S., including a foundry in Taylor, Texas, and an advanced packaging facility in Indiana. Samsung is increasing its investment in Texas to a total of $37 billion (approximately 55 trillion won), significantly higher than initially planned. SK Hynix is also constructing a next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM) advanced packaging plant and research center in Indiana, with an investment of $3.87 billion (approximately 5.2 trillion won).Despite these investments, the timeline and final amount for the subsidies promised under the U.S. CHIPS Act remain uncertain. Kim Jeong-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated after a government meeting that negotiations in the energy sector are progressing rapidly due to urgent power infrastructure needs in the U.S. However, he emphasized that the issues of subsidy payments and tariff exemptions for domestic semiconductor companies are also critical and cannot be delayed, indicating that intense negotiations are ongoing behind the scenes with the U.S. government.Meanwhile, skepticism about U.S. subsidies and increasing tariff pressures have heightened uncertainty for companies operating locally. President Donald Trump recently criticized the existing system as a "terrible law," suggesting that high tariffs would compel companies to build factories in the U.S. without subsidies.Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo also stated that while companies producing semiconductors in the U.S. would receive tariff exemptions, those that do not would face significant costs to access the top market in the world, further escalating tariff pressures.The key issue is whether the 60 trillion won direct investment by Samsung and SK Hynix will be recognized as part of the $350 billion investment package agreed upon by both countries. According to the agreement made in January, the $350 billion package consists of $200 billion for U.S.-led strategic projects and $150 billion for shipbuilding cooperation, which are structurally separate from individual foreign direct investments (FDI) by South Korean companies.An industry insider noted, "While achievements in energy negotiations are significant, if the subsidy confirmations and tariff issues for semiconductor plants, a key national strategic industry, are not resolved clearly, the practical benefits of U.S. investments will inevitably be greatly diminished. Given the risk of soaring production costs in the U.S., a comprehensive government effort and meticulous final negotiations are more urgent than ever before the final signing."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 19:20:00
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National AI Strategy Committee Marks One Year, Aims for Tangible Results The National AI Strategy Committee evaluated the past year as a time for laying the groundwork for a major transformation in AI, expressing its ambition to deliver results that citizens can feel. The committee has positioned itself as a 'coordinator' to support the organic implementation of large-scale inter-agency projects, including three mega-projects and seven SEED projects.On September 8, the committee held a 'performance report meeting' at Seoul Square to announce its key policy achievements over the past year and future plans. The event was attended by Vice Chair Ha Jung-woo, the chairs of ten subcommittees, the chairs of two special committees, task force leaders, and private sector members.Since its launch in September 2025, the committee has served as the control tower for South Korea's AI policy, connecting private expertise with government policy capabilities. In February, it finalized the 'South Korea AI Action Plan,' which consists of 99 implementation tasks and 326 policy recommendations under three main policy pillars and twelve strategic areas, supporting the establishment, coordination, and execution of key AI strategies.Vice Chair Ha stated, "In the year since the committee's launch, we have laid the foundation for a major transformation in AI," adding, "From now on, we will deliver results that citizens can truly feel." He emphasized that South Korea has the potential to build a full-stack AI ecosystem based on its AI technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing competitiveness, and that efforts must be made to become one of the top three AI nations.Ha identified the 'securing of GPUs (graphics processing units)' as the committee's most significant achievement over the past year, noting that it has greatly assisted startups struggling to acquire GPUs due to domestic shortages for research and development.However, he acknowledged that there have been insufficient results that the public can verify over the past year. He projected that tangible outcomes would begin to emerge next year and stated that the overall implementation rate of the 99 tasks would be disclosed separately in the future.In the ongoing AI power competition between the United States and China, Ha emphasized the importance of a 'One Team' approach. He remarked, "The U.S. supports AI companies through laws and regulations, while China backs industrial growth with government support," urging the South Korean government and businesses to unite in responding to global competition.He also reiterated the committee's role as a coordinator. Currently, a triangular framework is established among the Presidential Office's AI Future Planning Chief, the Minister of Science and ICT, and the committee, with the aim of facilitating collaboration. Ha explained, "The AI chief will perform a larger-scale AI strategy implementation and oversight role as part of the presidential advisory organization, while the Ministry of Science and ICT will plan detailed policies and execute projects as the main ministry. The AI Strategy Committee will plan and coordinate inter-agency AI projects based on the capabilities of private experts."The committee plans to continuously enhance the 'South Korea AI Plan' to adapt to the rapidly changing AI environment and support the organic advancement of large-scale inter-agency AI projects, including the three mega-projects and seven SEED projects. It also aims to refine its operations to focus on projects and outcomes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 19:16:00
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Government Questions and Hearings Highlight Key Issues in National Assembly The National Assembly will enter a full session of government questioning and confirmation hearings starting September 9, following the conclusion of the representative speeches on the 8th. The People Power Party plans to strategically question various issues during this regular session. Additionally, the handling of the 'Mega Special Zone Law,' identified by the Democratic Party as a top priority, has emerged as a contentious topic, indicating potential clashes between the two parties.People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk highlighted key issues for focus during this session, including real estate, the stock market, youth employment, inflation, foreign affairs and security, and violations of voting rights. This approach targets perceived weaknesses in the government and ruling party.The government questioning, which begins on September 9, will cover various topics: politics on the 9th, foreign affairs, unification, and security on the 10th, economics on the 11th, and education, society, and culture on the 14th. The party is expected to raise questions on a range of issues, including single-item leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs), future response funds, and the possibility of troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz.Following the government questioning, confirmation hearings will commence on the 15th. Allegations against various nominees have surfaced since the announcement of a Cabinet reshuffle, leading to anticipated confrontations between the opposition, seeking to withdraw nominations, and the ruling party, which aims to defend them. In particular, the opposition is expected to intensify attacks on Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, and Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, pressuring for withdrawal or voluntary resignation.Political analysts suggest that the timing of the government questioning and confirmation hearings, just before the Chuseok holiday, will intensify competition between the parties. They emphasize the need to secure 'public sentiment' ahead of the holiday.On the previous day, a new conflict arose between the Industry, Trade, and Energy Committee and the Political Affairs Committee regarding which committee should handle the Mega Special Zone Law. The People Power Party claims that the Democratic Party is attempting to steer discussions in their favor by pushing for the bill to be referred to the Political Affairs Committee instead of the Industry Committee.Conversely, the Democratic Party argues that since the Office for Government Policy Coordination is leading the mega project, it is appropriate for the Political Affairs Committee to review the bill. The chair of the Industry Committee is Kim Seong-won from the People Power Party, while the chair of the Political Affairs Committee is Yoo Dong-soo from the Democratic Party. In his representative speech the previous day, Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, declared, "We will pass the Mega Special Zone Law as the top priority legislation of this regular session."A political insider noted, "If they are considering the next general election, related movements should start now, and current lawmakers will likely want to assert their presence during this regular session."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-08 19:12:00