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Iran warns S. Korea against Hormuz deployment as U.S. pressure builds SEOUL, September 06 (AJP) - Iran has warned that any South Korean military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz would be regarded as participation in the war, as Washington steps up pressure on Seoul to contribute. The unnamed official made the warning in an interview with Al Mayadeen, a Lebanon-based media outlet close to Hezbollah, according to a report Thursday. “If South Korea takes action against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, it will be considered direct military aggression and participation in the war,” the official said. The official also urged Seoul not to give in to U.S. pressure to cooperate with what Tehran described as Washington’s military operations, arguing that South Korea should not sacrifice its own interests and reputation for U.S. policy in the region. The warning comes as South Korea weighs possible military and nonmilitary contributions to securing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global energy supplies and particularly important to South Korea, which receives more than 60 percent of its crude oil imports through the route. Seoul says no final decision has been made. The presidential office said Thursday that South Korea could consider military options as long as they do not significantly undermine readiness on the Korean Peninsula. Possible options reportedly under consideration include deploying P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, a naval logistics support vessel or mine-clearing personnel. Any deployment involving South Korean troops would also have to take domestic legal and political considerations into account, including possible approval from the National Assembly. Pressure from Washington over Hormuz has persisted since the U.S.-Israel war with Iran began on Feb. 28. Trump first called on countries heavily dependent on Gulf energy, including South Korea and Japan, to help secure the strait in March, arguing that those benefiting most from the shipping route should contribute to keeping it open. Washington and Seoul subsequently held discussions over a possible South Korean naval contribution. Trump renewed the criticism late last month, singling out South Korea while recounting what he described as Seoul’s reluctance to assist the United States over Iran. Trump said Aug. 30 that when he asked South Korea whether it could “help a little bit” with Iran, Seoul responded that it would prefer not to, adding that he would “remember” the response. The pressure appeared to broaden beyond the Middle East on Friday, when Trump shared a Washington Post opinion column on Truth Social calling for South Korea to sell its domestically developed Cheongung-II air defense missile system to Ukraine. The column by conservative commentator Marc Thiessen argued that Trump should pressure Seoul to provide the system, also known as the M-SAM II, as an interim solution to Ukraine’s shortage of air defense interceptors. Trump shared the column without adding his own comment. The move has drawn attention in Seoul because the Cheongung-II is a core element of South Korea’s own missile defense architecture, designed in part to counter North Korean ballistic missile threats. It also comes as Washington has increasingly linked allied support to a broader expectation that partners shoulder more of the security burden, whether in the Middle East or Ukraine. South Korean officials are now facing pressure to balance those alliance expectations with concerns over military readiness, domestic opposition and the risk of worsening relations with Tehran. Seoul, however, has sought to frame any possible role in Hormuz around protecting international shipping rather than joining combat operations against Iran. “The government is closely communicating with the international community, including relevant countries, for the swift restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East and the free passage of all vessels, including ours, through the Strait of Hormuz,” a Foreign Ministry official said. The issue could also surface during President Lee Jae Myung’s talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in France on Tuesday. France and Britain have been among the countries discussing a multinational mission to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, including possible mine-clearing operations, and Seoul has participated in consultations over the initiative. AJP Takeaways - Iran warned any South Korean military role in Hormuz could be treated as participation in the war. - Seoul is weighing military and nonmilitary options as Trump presses allies to help secure the strait. - U.S. pressure has widened, with Trump also amplifying calls for South Korea to sell Cheongung-II missiles to Ukraine. 2026-09-06 16:56:33
Xi to Bring Large Economic Delegation to U.S. Amid Upcoming Summit Chinese President Xi Jinping is preparing to bring a large economic delegation to the United States later this month, signaling a commitment to improving investment and commercial relations. Ahead of the U.S.-China summit, both countries are also pursuing dialogue in military and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors as they coordinate for the meeting.Ahead of the summit, discussions on economy, military, and AI are underwayAccording to Reuters, President Xi plans to accompany a delegation of prominent Chinese business leaders to his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on September 24.This move is considered unusual given the U.S. wariness towards Chinese investments. It reflects China's intention to support investments in the U.S. and build commercial ties, while also potentially offering economic benefits to the White House ahead of the midterm elections.Xi last visited the U.S. with a large economic delegation in 2015, which included Alibaba founder Jack Ma and Tencent Chairman Ma Huateng, among other high-ranking officials from state-owned enterprises. That visit resulted in contracts worth $38 billion, including the purchase of 300 Boeing aircraft.In the lead-up to the summit, high-level military communications between the U.S. and China are also resuming. On August 31, General Yang Zhi of the Chinese People's Liberation Army met with U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Samuel Paparo in Victoria, British Columbia, to emphasize the importance of maintaining communication channels to reduce the risk of miscalculations. This marks the first contact between senior military commanders from both nations since September 2024.Additionally, the U.S. and China are planning to hold a bilateral dialogue focused on AI in mid-September. This will be the first official meeting on AI issues since Trump's second term began, with discussions expected to cover safety risks and cyberattack prevention.Despite trade and investment disagreements, limited agreements are expectedHowever, experts believe that while both countries are coordinating on trade and investment issues, significant progress is unlikely at the upcoming summit.During Trump's visit to China in May, the two leaders agreed to establish trade and investment committees to manage ongoing issues. Nevertheless, the investment climate for Chinese companies in the U.S. has deteriorated, and disagreements remain over which products should be classified as 'non-sensitive items,' making major breakthroughs at the summit improbable, according to Reuters.Nonetheless, limited achievements are anticipated in areas such as tariffs, agriculture, rare earths, and non-tariff barriers. Reports indicate that the U.S. is seeking to secure expanded export licenses for rare earths to American companies, while China is demanding further tariff reductions.Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, also indicated on September 3 that there would be "some announcements" regarding agriculture and non-tariff barriers during the summit.Meanwhile, President Trump has publicly welcomed Xi's visit and expressed optimism about the summit. On September 4, he told reporters that Xi would visit the U.S. with his wife, Peng Liyuan, and announced plans for a state dinner in Xi's honor on September 24. Trump stated he is "very much looking forward" to Xi's visit, noting that while China is a competitor, his relationship with Xi is very good. However, the Chinese government has yet to officially announce Xi's travel schedule.In preparation for Xi's visit, Trump is also accelerating renovations at the White House. Reports from local media, including The Washington Post, indicate that construction on a new helicopter landing pad on the South Lawn and modifications to nearby access roads are set to be completed this week, while work on a new East Room is ongoing. 2026-09-06 16:56:00
238 Companies Face Delisting Warnings as Small Shareholders Risk Losses As of late July, 238 listed companies have failed to meet the stock price and market capitalization requirements following the tightening of delisting criteria by financial authorities. This situation affects over 3 million small shareholders, with their total stock valuation estimated at around 8 trillion won, indicating significant potential losses due to market exit.According to data submitted by Park Min-kyu, a member of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, to the Korea Exchange, as of July 25, there were 238 companies with stock prices below 1,000 won or market capitalizations failing to meet listing maintenance standards.The majority of these companies are concentrated in the KOSDAQ market. In the KOSDAQ, 117 companies fell short of the market capitalization requirement, and 91 did not meet the stock price requirement, totaling 177 companies when duplicates are excluded. In contrast, the KOSPI market had 39 companies failing to meet the market capitalization requirement and 30 failing on stock price, resulting in a total of 61 when duplicates are excluded.Many of these companies are at risk of delisting if they do not meet the listing maintenance conditions. Delistings have already begun this month, leading to increased losses for individual investors.As of the end of last year, the number of small shareholders in the 238 companies that fell short of the listing maintenance criteria was 312,671, with 959,878 in the KOSPI and 2,166,832 in the KOSDAQ. Their total stock valuation was approximately 7.85 trillion won, with 1.45 trillion won in the KOSPI and 6.4 trillion won in the KOSDAQ.Since the tightening of delisting criteria, the designation of management items has also continued. According to the Korea Exchange, from July 1, when the revised listing regulations took effect, 52 items have been designated as management items due to failing stock price or market capitalization standards as of September 4.Under the current system, a company is designated as a management item if its stock price remains below 1,000 won for 30 consecutive trading days or if its market capitalization falls below the listing maintenance standard. If it fails to recover the standards for more than 45 trading days within 90 trading days, it will undergo delisting procedures. The current market capitalization standards are 30 billion won for the KOSPI and 20 billion won for the KOSDAQ. Originally, these thresholds were set to increase to 50 billion won and 30 billion won, respectively, starting in January next year, but the government and financial authorities have postponed the implementation to July next year to mitigate market shock.After the grace period, the impact will widen. According to Park's office, as of July 25, a total of 471 companies will fall under the enhanced criteria set to take effect in July next year, with 114 in the KOSPI and 357 in the KOSDAQ.Park Min-kyu stated, "It is desirable to timely address underperforming and marginal companies to enhance the soundness of the KOSDAQ market," but cautioned that using uniform criteria like market capitalization and stock price to determine delisting could put healthy companies and those with technological specializations at risk. He emphasized the need for supplementary measures to comprehensively evaluate financial soundness, technological capability, and growth potential.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 16:48:00
Stock Fund 'Money Move' Driven by Volatility, 19 Times More Investment in Overseas Funds Investment in public equity funds is experiencing a significant 'money move.' Over the past month, more than 4 trillion won has flowed into public equity funds, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with over 90% of this capital directed towards 'overseas products.' Analysts attribute this trend to sluggish performance in the KOSPI index and major domestic companies, prompting a rapid shift of funds towards U.S. investment products.According to the Korea Financial Investment Association, from August 4 to September 3, a net inflow of 4.4311 trillion won was recorded in public equity funds, including ETFs. During this period, the total assets under management reached 25.264 trillion won, while redemptions amounted to 20.8329 trillion won.Notably, funds tracking major U.S. indices attracted significant investment. During this timeframe, overseas equity funds saw a net inflow of 4.2088 trillion won, accounting for approximately 95% of the total net inflow in public equity funds, including ETFs. In contrast, domestic funds only saw a net inflow of 222.3 billion won.Excluding ETFs, the trend of capital movement becomes even clearer. In the past month, public equity funds experienced a net outflow of 45.3 billion won, with 104.6 billion won exiting domestic funds, while overseas funds saw a net inflow of 59.2 billion won.This 'money move' marks a stark contrast to the previous month. In July, public equity funds, including ETFs, recorded a net inflow of 6.6724 trillion won for domestic funds, surpassing overseas funds by 2.2362 trillion won. However, the situation reversed in August, with domestic funds experiencing a net inflow of only 1.7434 trillion won, a 73.9% decrease from the previous month. Overseas funds also saw a decline to 3.5334 trillion won, but the drop was limited to 20.4%.Market analysts suggest that ongoing volatility in the domestic stock market and semiconductor sector since July has contributed to this shift in investment. A comparison of market fluctuations from July 1 to September 4 shows a clear disparity: the KOSPI index fell by 19.47%, while the Nasdaq Composite rose by 1.79% and the S&P 500 increased by 3.14%.In individual ETFs, the inflow of funds into U.S. index products has been particularly pronounced. According to ETF CHECK, as of September 4, the top four domestic listed equity ETFs by net inflow all tracked the U.S. S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 indices.The TIGER U.S. S&P 500 saw the highest net inflow at 995.1 billion won, followed by the TIGER U.S. Nasdaq 100 at 645 billion won, KODEX U.S. Nasdaq 100 at 561.1 billion won, and KODEX U.S. S&P 500 at 473.7 billion won. The total inflow into these four products reached 2.6749 trillion won.In comparison, domestic stock-related products saw only modest inflows, with KODEX 200 Covered Call Active receiving 331.5 billion won and KODEX KOSPI attracting 312.9 billion won. The inflow into U.S. index products significantly outpaced that of domestic stock-related products.A securities industry official noted, "Recent concentration of funds in products tracking major U.S. indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 indicates a continued demand for investing in the U.S. stock market through domestic listed ETFs."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 16:44:00
Cheon Ha-ram Accuses Defense Minister Nominee Kang Shin-cheol of Fraudulent Apartment Acquisition Cheon Ha-ram, acting leader of the Reform Party, raised allegations on September 6 regarding Kang Shin-cheol, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, claiming he acquired an apartment in Seocho-gu through fraudulent means.During a press conference at the National Assembly, Cheon stated, "Kang secured the status of a demolitions victim through false registration, allowing him to obtain an apartment valued at 2.2 billion won under a special allocation for demolitions victims."According to Cheon, Kang moved to a military apartment in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, in July 2007, but reported a change of address to a house in Guro-gu, Seoul, eight months later in March 2008. This house was gifted to him in 1997.Seven months later, in October 2008, the Guro District Office purchased the house in Cheonwang-dong for the relocation of the Seoul Southern Detention Center, granting Kang the status of a demolitions victim. Subsequently, he and his wife moved their address back to the military apartment in Hwacheon in May 2009.Cheon criticized, "While he served in the military in Hwacheon, he only changed his address to Seoul. In August 2012, Kang acquired an apartment in Seocho-gu, Seocho Nature Hill Complex 3, as a demolitions victim."He noted that the initial sale price was 520 million won, but its current market value has skyrocketed to approximately 2.2 billion won, asserting that obtaining a fraudulent application through intentional false registration disqualifies him from being a minister.In response, Kang's team stated, "The address in Guro-gu is where the nominee was born and raised. The remote military residence was only a temporary duty location, while the house in Seoul was his only living base for future return."They added, "It is true that some administrative procedures were not carefully observed during the process of moving work locations, but there was no intent to falsely register or any illegality in the application process."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 16:40:00
Police Launch Reform Task Force to Overhaul Organization and Operations The police are set to launch a reform task force that will comprehensively review the organization, systems, field operations, and overall organizational culture. The task force will be led by a senior police officer.On September 6, the National Police Agency announced in a press release, "To fulfill our commitment to fundamentally reform the police, we will establish a dedicated task force this week," adding that details regarding its structure and direction will be disclosed upon its launch. The agency had previously indicated plans to establish a 'Police Reform Promotion Task Force' to reassess its organization, systems, and operational methods.This announcement follows a two-day series of departmental reports led by Acting Commissioner Kim Jong-cheol, which began on September 5, where he reviewed key issues. The weekend meetings were held to expedite preparations for the implementation of the revised criminal procedure law, as promised during a national police leadership meeting on September 3.Regarding follow-up measures to the revised criminal procedure law, Acting Commissioner Kim emphasized the importance of field personnel clearly understanding and implementing the new investigative procedures. He instructed that relevant information be shared with all staff and that comprehensive training be conducted throughout September.He also called for improvements to personnel policies to retain skilled and dedicated staff within investigative units. The National Police Agency plans to hold a meeting next week, chaired by Acting Commissioner Kim, to discuss detailed measures related to the follow-up task force for the revised criminal procedure law.Acting Commissioner Kim stated, "The field must change for the police organization to transform, allowing the public to feel this change," urging continuous checks to ensure there are no gaps in the operational systems and command structure. He also directed efforts to eliminate unnecessary tasks and excessive performance demands, enabling officers to focus on their core duties.He stressed that police activities should not be limited to enforcement and investigations. Instead, he called for a holistic approach that integrates crime prevention, victim protection, and post-incident support, while actively collaborating with relevant agencies to improve legislation and secure necessary personnel and budget.After receiving a report that traffic accident fatalities had decreased by over 100 compared to the previous year as of August, Acting Commissioner Kim remarked, "The reduction in traffic fatalities is a key task for the police in saving lives." He urged continued efforts in maintaining traffic order, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements to protect the lives and safety of the public.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 16:24:20
Christopher Nolan's 'Odyssey' Surpasses 10 Million Viewers, First Foreign Film to Hit Milestone This Year Christopher Nolan's film 'Odyssey' has surpassed 10 million viewers in South Korea. It is the second film this year to reach this milestone, following Jang Hang-jun's 'The King and the Man,' and the first foreign film to do so in 2026.According to Universal Pictures, the film crossed the 10 million mark on September 6. It had recorded approximately 9.76 million viewers the previous day, but saw a surge in attendance over the weekend, reaching the milestone in just one day.With this achievement, 'Odyssey' has surpassed the final box office scores of the highest-grossing foreign films in the past three years, placing it at the top of the all-time foreign box office rankings. Notably, Christopher Nolan, who previously attracted 10 million viewers with 'Interstellar,' now has two films that have reached this milestone in South Korea.'Odyssey' tells the story of Odysseus, the hero who led the Greeks to victory in the Trojan War, as he battles the wrath of the gods on his journey home. The film is currently showing in theaters nationwide. 2026-09-06 16:20:00
Anyang Fire Department Promotes Safety Guidelines Ahead of Chuseok On September 4, the Anyang Fire Department launched a campaign at Beomegye Station to promote fire and safety accident prevention as the Chuseok holiday approaches. According to the fire department, they conducted a 'Safety Inspection Day' campaign in collaboration with the city of Anyang, police, and other relevant organizations at the Beomegye Station intersection. This initiative aims to prevent fires and various safety accidents that may occur due to increased cooking and the use of electrical and gas appliances during the holiday period, while also encouraging citizens to check for potential hazards in their surroundings before the holiday. Fire officials distributed pamphlets to citizens, explaining fire prevention guidelines for the Chuseok holiday, the importance of home fire safety equipment, the illegal closure of emergency exits, the reward system for reporting such violations, and the 119 safety call service. They particularly emphasized the need for basic safety management, such as checking the power of gas stoves and electrical appliances before leaving home and ensuring that installed fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are functioning properly. Commuters at Beomegye Station showed interest in the safety guidelines as they received information from fire officials. There was a shared understanding of the importance of checking the locations of emergency exits and fire extinguishers, as well as home electrical and gas facilities, which are often overlooked. One citizen remarked, "During the holidays, I tend to use the gas stove and electrical appliances more often while preparing food, so I think I should check my home before the holiday." Another citizen stated, "I’ve heard that home fire safety equipment is important, but I wasn’t sure what specifically to check. I plan to review the safety guidelines with my family this time." The fire department continues to promote safety guidelines that citizens can easily implement in their daily lives while urging special attention to fire hazards during the holiday period. Fire Chief Kim Ji-han stated, "To ensure a safe Chuseok holiday, it is important for families and neighbors to proactively identify potential hazards in their daily lives." He added, "Please take the time to check for fire hazards in your home and surrounding facilities before the holiday." * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 16:08:00
KF-21 'Korean Meteor' Missile Development Competition Begins The competition for the development of missiles to be equipped on South Korea's first domestically produced fighter jet, the KF-21 Boramae, has officially begun. A competitive landscape is forming between Hanwha Aerospace and a consortium of Hyundai Rotem and LIG D&A. The technological capabilities of each company, along with the bidding restriction risks they face, will be crucial factors in determining the outcome.According to industry sources, the Defense Science Research Institute will close the proposal submissions for selecting a prototype developer for the long-range air-to-air missile system on September 7 at 4 p.m. Both Hanwha Aerospace and the consortium of Hyundai Rotem and LIG D&A are expected to participate.The core objective of this project is to develop a long-range air-to-air missile using domestic technology that can engage enemy aircraft beyond visual range. Currently, the KF-21 is equipped with the 'Meteor' missile developed by the European defense company MBDA. The government's intention is to create a 'Korean version of the Meteor' to enhance the export competitiveness of the KF-21.The total project scale, including system development and subsequent mass production, is estimated to reach approximately 1.9 trillion won, which explains the intense competition among defense companies.A critical factor in long-range flight performance is the 'ducted ramjet propulsion technology.' This technology generates thrust by inhaling external air during flight and burning solid fuel.Hanwha Aerospace has accumulated extensive experience in ducted ramjet research over many years. Since 2005, it has conducted research on key technologies such as propellants and gas generators under the supervision of the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality. In April, the company also unveiled a technology roadmap for the development of long-range air-to-air missiles, signaling its intent to participate in the project.In response, Hyundai Rotem and LIG D&A have formed a united front. Their strategy is to combine their respective technological strengths from different fields to enhance competitiveness. Hyundai Rotem possesses propulsion system technology, while LIG D&A focuses on seeker, guidance, and system integration.However, the potential for bidding restrictions has emerged as a significant variable. Hanwha Aerospace is currently under investigation following an explosion at its Daejeon facility in June that resulted in seven casualties. Under the current enforcement decree of the National Contract Act, if two or more workers die due to violations of safety and health obligations, the company may be disqualified from bidding.LIG D&A also faces challenges due to a bribery case related to defense projects. Prosecutors have indicted LIG D&A employees for allegedly providing money to officials at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to secure favorable evaluations during the weapon development bidding process. If confirmed, this could lead to a bidding restriction of up to two years under the Defense Acquisition Act or the National Contract Act.Ultimately, the results of investigations and administrative sanctions following the proposal submission will be critical in determining whether contracts are finalized. Even if selected as the final contractor, any restrictions on bidding eligibility before contract signing would prevent the company from securing the deal. The Defense Science Research Institute plans to conduct negotiations and finalize contracts from October 19 through the end of the year.An industry insider noted, "While the incidents could lead to similar bidding restrictions, if all are restricted, there would be no companies left to develop the weapon system. The severity of each case will likely be assessed in detail."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 16:00:20
NewJeans' 'Super Shy' Surpasses 900 Million Streams on Spotify Group NewJeans' hit song 'Super Shy' has surpassed 900 million streams on the global music platform Spotify.As of September 4, 'Super Shy,' one of the triple title tracks from NewJeans' second mini album 'Get Up,' recorded a total of 900,408,067 streams. This marks NewJeans' third song to achieve over 900 million streams, following 'OMG' and 'Ditto.'Released in 2023, 'Super Shy' features a catchy beat and a jersey club rhythm. Upon its release, it spent eight weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and nine weeks on the UK Official Singles Chart, achieving significant global success. The song also entered the top 10 on Spotify's Global and U.S. Daily Top Songs charts, receiving widespread acclaim.International media outlets have praised the track. U.S. music publication Pitchfork named 'Super Shy' the only K-pop song in its list of the '100 Best Songs of the 2020s,' calling it "the most effortless, breezy masterpiece." Additionally, major outlets like Billboard, Rolling Stone, The Guardian, and NME have recognized the song as one of the best of 2023.Meanwhile, the total cumulative streams of all songs released by NewJeans have reached approximately 8 billion. 'Ditto,' 'OMG,' and 'Super Shy' have each surpassed 900 million streams, while 'Hype Boy' has over 700 million streams, and both 'New Jeans' and 'Attention' have exceeded 500 million streams, showcasing their strong global music presence.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-06 16:00:20