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LG Chairman Koo Kwang-mo's stepmother loses custody lawsuit Kim Young-sik, the widow of late LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo, lost a custody lawsuit against her stepson, Koo Kwang-mo, the current chairman of LG. On September 3, Judge Lee Eun-joo of the Seoul Family Court dismissed Kim's request for a legal custody termination of Koo Kwang-mo. However, the court did not disclose the specific reasons for the dismissal. Koo Bon-moo, who lost his only son in an accident, adopted Koo Kwang-mo in 2004 in accordance with LG Group's principle of primogeniture. Koo Kwang-mo is the only son of Koo Bon-moo's brother, Koo Bon-neung, chairman of Heesung Group. After Koo Bon-moo's death in 2018, Koo Kwang-mo inherited 8.76% of LG Corp.'s shares, becoming the largest shareholder. In February 2023, Kim and her biological daughters, Koo Yeon-kyung, head of the LG Welfare Foundation, and Koo Yeon-soo, filed a lawsuit seeking to redistribute the inherited assets according to legal inheritance ratios. In November of the following year, Kim filed an additional lawsuit against Koo Kwang-mo for custody termination. Meanwhile, the Seoul Western District Court dismissed all claims from Kim and her daughters in February, ruling in favor of Koo Kwang-mo. The three women have appealed the decision, and the appeal is currently underway. 2026-09-03 14:40:20 -
SM Group's Chairman Woo Oh-hyun to Fully Fund National Scholarships for New Students at Yeoju University SM Group announced on September 3 that Chairman Woo Oh-hyun will donate funds to fully cover the national scholarships for new students at Yeoju University for the 2027 academic year. The donation is expected to amount to approximately 7 billion won.This initiative follows the government's designation of Yeoju University among 20 universities nationwide that will face restrictions on national scholarship and student loan support. The Ministry of Education announced this decision on August 25.As the chairman of the Dongshin Education Foundation, which operates Yeoju University, Woo decided to provide scholarship funding to alleviate the burden and uncertainty students may face during the admission process due to the restrictions on national scholarship support.Since acquiring Yeoju University in November 2021, SM Group has focused on improving operational systems and investing in facilities.Since taking office as chairman of the Dongshin Education Foundation, Woo has provided approximately 1 billion won in scholarships annually to all new students. In December 2024, he invested 6.5 billion won in renovating classrooms and dormitories. Additionally, he donated 3.3 billion won and 2.3 billion won to the university's development fund in November 2024 and March of this year, respectively.With this latest scholarship funding, the total contributions from Woo and SM Group to Yeoju University will exceed 21 billion won. The enrollment rate for new students has increased from the high 60s percent at the time of acquisition to 93% this year.In addition to his educational initiatives, Woo has pledged 50 billion won to support underprivileged communities in Ulsan through UBC Ulsan Broadcasting and has committed 320 billion won to public medical and welfare projects, including the Phil Medical Foundation. He has also donated 5 billion won to support descendants of independence activists through the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and has participated in various initiatives to support families with newborns in Goheung County, as well as sponsoring the women's professional basketball team in Seoul's Seodaemun District.An SM Group representative stated, "Chairman Woo has been actively communicating with Yeoju City and the city council to request their cooperation in normalizing operations while making direct and indirect investments to save Yeoju University, the only university in the city. SM Group is also planning and operating various support projects to help overcome the economic difficulties faced by the Yeoju region due to population decline and to fulfill its role as an institution for nurturing talent."Following this decision, Woo urged the school and staff to fulfill their responsibilities as an educational institution. He specifically requested that they ensure normal academic operations so that students can continue their studies without disruption.Yeoju University President Lee Sang-wook remarked, "Tuition is one of the most important factors in students' decisions to enroll, so when benefits like national scholarships are restricted, it inevitably makes it difficult for the school to recruit new students and operate academically. We will carefully monitor the situation to ensure that families preparing for enrollment are not burdened based on SM Group's donations."Meanwhile, Yeoju University plans to file for a stay of execution and an administrative lawsuit against the Ministry of Education's restrictions on national scholarships. They aim to seek a court ruling to ensure continued government support, given the improvements in enrollment rates. 2026-09-03 14:40:10
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Surge in Chinese Arms Exports Amid Middle East Conflicts Chinese arms exports have surged due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.According to Chinese media outlet Caixin, the combined revenue of over 80 publicly listed defense companies in China reached 377.4 billion yuan in the first half of this year, an 18.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Their total net profit rose by 32.9% to 24.7 billion yuan. Notably, the total advance payments received by these companies amounted to 222.8 billion yuan, marking a 43.8% increase from the previous year. This rise in advance payments indicates a significant increase in orders for Chinese defense firms.China's CITIC Securities noted, "The growth in performance of Chinese defense companies in the first half of this year was driven by overseas exports." While specific figures for China's arms sales are not publicly disclosed, CITIC Securities mentioned that there has been a substantial increase in overseas exports.Among listed companies, AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group reported a revenue of 1.6 billion yuan in the first half of the year, a staggering 272.4% increase, with net profit rising by 72.8%. The revenue growth rate for the second quarter was 422.2%. AVIC Chengdu is a leading exporter of military drones, with its Wing Loong drone being a key product already sold to several countries. Another drone manufacturer, Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, reported that overseas sales accounted for 42.1% of its total revenue in the first half of the year. In its semi-annual report, the company stated, "Demand for Chinese drones has increased significantly since the India-Pakistan conflict in May of last year."Additionally, reports indicate that the UAE deployed the Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense system in Bahrain last July. The FK-2000 is a short-range surface-to-air missile system developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) for export, designed to intercept drones and missiles approaching at low to medium altitudes near key facilities.The ongoing Middle East conflicts present opportunities for Chinese defense companies. If the U.S. strikes Iran, Iran may retaliate against U.S. military bases located in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE. While China is not supplying weapons to Iran, neighboring countries are purchasing Chinese arms for their defense.A report released in April by the Israel National Security Institute (INSS) indicated that Saudi Arabia is the largest buyer of Chinese weapons in the Middle East. The report highlighted that China is actively targeting the military drone sector, an area where the U.S. has been less aggressive in its exports.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 14:40:10
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Busan Aims to Become a 'Coffee City' by Connecting History, Specialty Coffee, and Tourism Busan is accelerating its efforts to establish a new city brand as a 'Coffee City,' moving beyond its identity as a port city.The initiative aims to leverage the historical record of coffee consumption by Joseon people in Busan from 1884, connecting the local specialty coffee culture with tourism and industry to create a unique coffee ecosystem in the city.The city of Busan and Busan Technopark will host a citizen-participation coffee culture event, '2026 Busan Coffee Day,' on September 12 at Millak Market in Suyeong District.This year's event will feature eight local roasteries from Busan, three from Seoul, and one from overseas. Attendees can enjoy various coffee tastings and sales, hand-drip coffee, coffee cocktails, roasting experiences, aroma exploration programs, DJ performances, and wellness running, all integrating coffee into culture and lifestyle.Busan's push to promote itself as a 'Coffee City' is backed by a unique historical record. The 'Haeun Ilrok' documents that in 1884, Min Geon-ho, who worked at the Busan Customs Office, was served 'Gabi Tea' (甲斐茶). This record predates the more widely known account of King Gojong drinking coffee during the 1896 Gwangmu Restoration by 12 years.Busan Technopark views this as one of the earliest documented instances of Joseon people drinking coffee in Busan and is using it as a historical narrative for 'Coffee City Busan.'Lee Chae-yoon, head of the Life Center at Busan Technopark, explained, "This story began as we verified records like the 'Haeun Ilrok' with related experts. It signifies that there is a record of Joseon people drinking coffee in Busan."Busan Technopark is leveraging 'Coffee Day' to expand the city's coffee culture into industry and tourism. In recent years, it has supported coffee-related businesses, research and development, and international seminars, working to develop coffee as a regional industry. According to Busan Technopark, the scale of related projects secured in Busan over the past few years has reached approximately 20 billion won.The organization is also promoting research and development initiatives, including a coffee bean tracking system. The goal is to create an industrial ecosystem that connects coffee culture with manufacturing, technology, and tourism.Another advantage for Busan is its port. The city has favorable logistics conditions as coffee beans from abroad pass through Busan Port. However, there is a distinction between simply passing through and creating added value locally. For the coffee industry to expand, companies involved in coffee manufacturing, processing, roasting, and distribution need to establish themselves in Busan.Lee stated, "It would be ideal for major production or roasting companies to set up in Busan to create an industrial base, but it is not easy to create sufficient incentives for companies to relocate here. Currently, we are in the early stages of building that industrial foundation."Busan Technopark is particularly focused on specialty coffee. The city is home to baristas and roasters who have gained recognition in national and international coffee competitions, and local coffee brands with national recognition are also growing.Busan Technopark believes that connecting this vibrant coffee culture with the city brand can differentiate it from other coffee cities like Gangneung or Jeju. The ultimate goal is to seamlessly integrate 'coffee' into the travel itineraries of tourists visiting Busan.Lee envisions, "Just as people seek out Seongshim-dang when visiting Daejeon, I hope that when tourists come to Busan, they will enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and take home some local beans or coffee products. Creating an awareness that visitors must have a cup of coffee when they come to Busan is significant in itself."Busan's vision for a coffee city leans more towards being a 'city of consumption, culture, and tourism' rather than a production hub. Similar to how cities like New York and London have become global coffee cities through unique café cultures and consumer experiences, Busan aims to build its city image by combining its port, tourism, and specialty coffee culture.The upcoming 'Busan Coffee Day' is part of this ongoing effort. It remains to be seen whether the coffee recorded in Busan 142 years ago can evolve into a new city brand that connects local roasteries with tourism and cultural content.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 14:40:10
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Tesla Opens Doors for BYD in South Korea's Electric Vehicle Market In the first half of 2026, the leading country for imported cars in South Korea is not Germany, but China. During this period, 69,513 electric vehicles from China were imported, marking a staggering 178.7% increase compared to the same period last year. The market share of imported cars from China reached 41.2%. Just three years ago, in 2022, the share of Chinese vehicles in the domestic import market was only 3.5%. This figure surged to 37.2% in 2025 and further climbed to 41.2% in the first half of 2026. When it comes to electric vehicles, the share is even higher at 72.1%, meaning that seven out of ten electric cars sold are from China. Given these numbers, one might suspect statistical errors, but this is the undeniable reality, and the pace of change is accelerating. They arrived quietly and grew faster than expected. In April 2025, BYD's compact electric vehicle, the Dolphin, entered the domestic market with a price tag of 24.5 million won. The automotive community buzzed with excitement, and social media was flooded with test drive reviews. The evaluations exceeded expectations, with many stating, "It’s much better than I thought." The result was that within just 11 months, cumulative sales surpassed 10,000 units, setting a record for the fastest sales in the history of the import car market since its opening in 1987. This achievement was accomplished in one-third of the time it took Tesla to reach the same milestone. In the first half of 2026, BYD alone sold 11,675 units, reflecting an 807.9% growth compared to the previous year. The electric bus market was penetrated even earlier and more deeply. A representative from a bus company in Seoul shared, "When I went to buy electric buses, there were only Chinese options available." During the 2023-2024 subsidy season, many sought domestic options but ended up signing contracts for Chinese models. With prices at half, similar performance, and identical subsidies, this outcome was logically inevitable. For a time, 100% of imported electric buses were from China. Although a late adjustment in subsidy policies has allowed for some recovery in market share, regaining lost ground will take time. In this process, an unexpected pioneer emerged: Tesla. A significant portion of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y sold in South Korea is produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory, and statistically, these are classified as 'Chinese-made.' Consumers have naturally accepted Chinese-made Teslas, breaking down their own biases against Chinese products. Inadvertently, Tesla has provided entry tickets for BYD and other Chinese brands. Additionally, as domestic passenger car sales in China plummeted by 20.2% in the first half of 2026, Chinese companies began to shift their focus to overseas markets, including South Korea, in what is termed 'push-out exports.' The Chinese state-run English media outlet China Daily proudly reported this situation as evidence of the competitiveness and export resilience of China's electric vehicle supply chain. What we perceive as alarming statistics, they promote as achievements. Rational consumers, vulnerable structures — things that need to change immediately. The decision of consumers to choose Chinese electric vehicles is rational. They offer better specifications, lower prices, and the same subsidies. It is an unassailable choice. However, economics introduces the concept of 'market failure,' where the rational choices of individual economic agents lead to suboptimal outcomes for society as a whole. If subsidies for electric vehicles funded by taxpayer money are accelerating the establishment of Chinese companies in the South Korean market, then the structure itself needs to be addressed. A deeper issue is the supply chain risk. The 72.1% dependence on imported electric vehicles is not merely a market share statistic. It represents a structural vulnerability that could shake South Korea's electric vehicle supply chain if tensions rise in Korea-China relations or if China decides to restrict exports for strategic reasons. We have already experienced this with China's rare earth export restrictions in 2010 and the THAAD-related ban in 2017. Economic interdependence does not always lead to peace and cooperation; we know this from experience, not just data. The direction for response is clear. The United States manages Chinese electric vehicles with 100% tariffs and the Inflation Reduction Act, while Europe imposes a 35% additional tariff and origin regulations. South Korea, with its Korea-China FTA, has a much larger opening than its competitors, yet tax incentives for domestically produced electric vehicles remain stagnant. It is essential to introduce battery origin regulations in subsidy calculations and expand tax deductions for domestically produced electric vehicles. If China holds a structural advantage in hardware costs, South Korea must accelerate its efforts in software-defined vehicles and next-generation battery technologies to close the gap. Reviewing countervailing duties on China's export subsidies and utilizing the WTO are also options that cannot be overlooked. “Crises only come suddenly to those who are unprepared.” The numbers have already sent a warning. Now, what remains is our choice. Author's Background ▲ Current Director of the Korea-China Economic Research Institute ▲ Researcher at the National Diplomatic Academy ▲ Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy ▲ Former KOTRA China Research Officer* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 14:40:00
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President Yoon Meets Hyundai Chairman to Discuss Investment in Saemangeum 이재명 대통령이 전날 정의선 현대자동차그룹 회장과 비공개로 만나 국내 투자와 통상 현안 등에 대한 의견을 나눈 것으로 알려졌다. 3일 정치권과 재계에 따르면 이 대통령은 지난 2일 정 회장과 비공식 회동을 가졌다. 회동 장소와 참석자, 구체적인 대화 내용은 공개되지 않았으며 청와대 역시 비공식 일정이라는 이유로 별도의 설명을 내놓지 않았다. 이번 회동에서는 현대차그룹이 추진하고 있는 약 9조원 규모의 전북 새만금 투자와 정부의 3대 메가 프로젝트 진행 상황이 주요 의제로 거론됐을 것으로 예상된다. 현대차그룹은 지난 2월 새만금 지역 112만4000㎡ 규모 부지에 올해부터 약 9조원을 투자해 로봇·인공지능(AI)·수소 에너지 분야의 혁신 거점을 조성하겠다는 계획을 발표했다. 세부 사업은 AI 데이터센터와 로봇 제조·부품 클러스터, 수전해 플랜트, 태양광 발전시설, AI 수소도시 조성 등이다. 현대차그룹은 새만금을 자율주행과 로봇 기술로 대표되는 피지컬 AI의 실증·생산 거점으로 육성할 계획이다. 이는 이 대통령이 추진하는 3대 메가 프로젝트 가운데 피지컬 AI와 AI 데이터센터 사업에 해당한다. 정부는 반도체와 피지컬 AI, AI 데이터센터를 연계해 한국형 AI 산업 생태계를 구축하고 지역에 새로운 첨단산업 거점을 조성한다는 구상이다. 이 대통령과 정 회장은 새만금 투자에 필요한 전력과 용수, 교통망 등 기반시설 구축과 인허가 절차, 전문인력 확보 방안 등에 대해서도 의견을 교환했을 것으로 보인다. 미국의 관세·투자 압박도 회동의 주요 관심사로 꼽힌다. 도널드 트럼프 미국 행정부가 한국의 대미 투자 프로젝트 이행을 압박하는 가운데 자동차 관세는 현대차그룹의 수출과 현지 생산전략에 직접적인 영향을 미치는 사안이다. 현대차그룹으로서는 국내에서 새만금 등 대규모 미래산업 투자를 진행하는 동시에 미국 내 생산시설과 공급망 투자도 확대해야 한다. 국내 투자와 대미 투자를 병행하는 과정에서 필요한 정부의 통상 지원과 정책 조율 방안이 거론됐을 가능성이 있다. 이번 만남은 이 대통령이 최근 주요 그룹 총수들과 이어가고 있는 비공식 연쇄 회동의 일환이다. 정부의 대규모 산업 프로젝트를 실제 기업 투자로 연결하고 미국의 투자 요구에 공동 대응하기 위해 재계와의 소통을 강화하는 행보로 풀이된다. 이 대통령은 지난달 20일 최태원 SK그룹 회장과 서울 모처에서 비공식 만찬을 가졌다. 두 사람은 지난 6월 정부의 3대 메가 프로젝트 발표 전에도 별도로 만났고, 7월 미국 샌프란시스코에서 열린 AI 서밋에도 함께 참석했다. 최 회장과의 회동에서는 전남광주통합특별시를 포함한 서남권 반도체 생산 거점과 용인·청주 반도체 투자, SK하이닉스의 미국 투자 문제가 다뤄졌을 가능성이 제기됐다. 이어 이 대통령은 지난달 26일 이재용 삼성전자 회장과 비공식 만찬 회동을 했다. 당시 자리에는 삼성전자 반도체사업을 총괄하는 전영현 부회장과 김용관 사장이 배석한 것으로 알려졌다. 이 대통령과 이 회장은 정부가 추진하는 서남권 신규 반도체 생산 거점과 용인 반도체 클러스터, 전력·용수 등 필수 기반시설 확충 방안을 중심으로 의견을 교환한 것으로 전해졌다. 미국의 자국 내 반도체 생산 확대 요구와 삼성전자의 대미 투자도 관심 의제로 꼽혔다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 14:36:10
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Shooting Incident Between Ukrainian Security Agencies Leaves Three Injured A shooting incident between Ukrainian security agencies in Kyiv, amid the ongoing war with Russia, has resulted in three injuries.On September 2, clashes erupted between agents of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and officials from the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) in the Dniprovskiy district of Kyiv, according to reports from the Financial Times and Ukrainska Pravda.Three individuals affiliated with HUR were reported injured. Footage from the scene showed both sides in a standoff, engaging in a physical altercation before multiple gunshots were heard. It remains unclear who fired first.The incident reportedly stemmed from an investigation involving Stepan Kaplunov, the combat deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), which fights alongside Ukraine against Russia. The RVC claimed that Kaplunov was abducted by unidentified individuals near his home on September 1. This led to a standoff between SBU and HUR officials regarding his whereabouts.The SBU stated that the incident occurred during an investigation into a terrorist plot prepared by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) against Russian opposition figures visiting Ukraine. The SBU explained that while conducting a search at a location, a group launched an armed attack and obstructed the movement of the investigative team with vehicles, prompting the deployment of the special forces unit 'Alpha,' which used firearms.According to the SBU, some individuals were injured during the resistance, and those arrested at the scene were confirmed to be members of the Ukrainian military. Weapons and documents were also seized from them. An investigation is currently underway regarding threats to law enforcement and endangerment of lives.Conversely, HUR officials have presented a different narrative. They claim that Kaplunov was detained without due process, and the shooting occurred when SBU personnel attempted to subdue HUR officials present at the scene. HUR representatives also asserted that their agents were unarmed at the time of the shooting.Following the incident, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the situation as “absolutely shameful,” involving some units of the SBU and HUR in Kyiv. He emphasized that the only targets for gunfire in Ukraine should be the Russian occupying forces and instructed for a clear explanation of the incident to be provided to the public.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 14:36:00
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Aekyung Chemical Introduces AI Platform 'AKeeON' to Enhance Operations Aekyung Chemical is implementing artificial intelligence (AI) across its operations, research and development, and production sites to drive company-wide innovation.According to industry sources on September 3, Aekyung Chemical has recently introduced the workplace AI agent platform 'AKeeON' for its employees. AKeeON is designed to search for information, analyze data, and automate certain tasks based on internal documents and work systems.The company is currently using this platform for repetitive tasks such as information retrieval, data inquiries, and report writing, and plans to develop additional AI agents tailored to specific job functions based on operational needs.In the research and development sector, Aekyung Chemical is exploring the use of large language models (LLMs) for data analysis, modeling, and simulation. The goal is to utilize AI for predicting polymer reaction trends, viscosity, and verifying reactivity.The company is also pursuing automation of analytical tasks. It plans to establish a system that incorporates AI software and robotics for a series of processes, including sample reception, preprocessing, analysis, data processing, and report generation.Aekyung Chemical aims to enhance production efficiency, quality safety, and on-site safety by leveraging AI and data in its production processes.In the future, the company intends to integrate external commercial LLMs with its internal and external data, utilizing them not only for data retrieval but also for analysis and summarization.An Aekyung Chemical representative stated, 'With the launch of AKeeON, we are expanding the application of AI across various work areas, including research and development and production. We plan to develop related systems focused on practical tasks that can be utilized in real operations.'Meanwhile, Aekyung Chemical's TPC plant is set to conduct pilot production by the end of September this year, ahead of full-scale production, while the hard carbon anode material line aims to complete its expansion work this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 14:28:10
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Gwangmyeong City Council Reviews Last Year's Budget and 2026 Supplementary Budget The Gwangmyeong City Council opened its 302nd regular session on September 3, beginning a 16-day schedule to review last year's budget execution and this year's supplementary budget proposal. According to the council, this regular session will address ordinances, general proposals, the 2025 fiscal year settlement, the 2026 second supplementary budget proposal, and changes to the fund management plan. Each standing committee will review ordinances and general proposals on September 4, followed by the examination of the 2025 fiscal year settlement from September 7 to 14. During the settlement review, the council will assess whether last year's budget was executed according to its original purpose and whether the funds were used appropriately and efficiently throughout the project implementation process. Additionally, the standing committees will also handle the approval of the 2026 administrative audit plan and requests for related materials. On September 16, the council will review the 2026 second supplementary budget proposal and changes to the fund management plan, followed by a review by the Budget Settlement Special Committee on September 17, with final decisions on related matters to be made at the second plenary session on September 18. The settlement and supplementary budget being discussed in this regular session are expected to draw community interest as they relate to the execution of projects directly connected to citizens' lives, including transportation, welfare, safety, and culture. Local residents believe that the council's budget review should focus on projects that genuinely benefit their daily lives. One resident stated, "I hope the budget is carefully checked to ensure it is used where it is truly needed by citizens," adding, "I also hope the supplementary budget prioritizes areas that citizens can feel the impact of." Another resident expressed, "When the council reviews the budget, I hope they consider not just the scale of the projects but also their necessity from the perspective of the citizens who will use them." Lee Hyung-deok, the council chair, remarked, "This regular session is an opportunity to confirm the appropriateness of last year's budget execution and to review the direction of key ongoing projects," stating, "We will thoroughly examine various matters, including the settlement and supplementary budget." Meanwhile, the council plans to conclude this regular session with the second plenary session on September 18.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 14:28:00
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Export Plus Support Team Provides Tailored Assistance to Medical Device Companies in Gangwon The Export Plus Support Team has initiated tailored support for medical device companies in Wonju, Gangwon Province, to alleviate challenges related to overseas certification and logistics costs.On September 3, the Export Plus Support Team visited the Gangwon Medical Device Industry Promotion Center to hold a public-private joint export plus meeting. The meeting aimed to listen to the concerns of medical device export companies and explore solutions. Attendees included representatives from the support team, the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Office, Wonju City Hall, and export support organizations.During the meeting, participating companies raised various issues, including the need for expanded support for overseas medical device certification and market entry, relief from export logistics costs, increased support for participation in international exhibitions, and assistance with overseas certification and product registration fees. Additionally, there were calls for enhanced government support in training and hiring specialized personnel in the medical device sector.In response, the support team, local government, and export support organizations provided information on utilizing overseas certification services, export vouchers, and low-interest policy financing for certification costs. They also explained that new export companies could access expert consulting services throughout the entire export process.Deputy Director Bae Jeong-hoon stated, "The Wonju medical device industry is not only a key technology-intensive sector for the local economy but also recognized for its competitiveness in the global market. We will spare no effort in supporting companies to overcome challenges in the export process and grow in overseas markets."Furthermore, the Export Plus Support Team plans to hold a regional export promotion cooperation meeting with the Gangwon Provincial Office on September 16 to listen to the concerns of local export companies. Based on the issues raised during the meeting, they will seek collaborative solutions to expand exports.Following the meeting, a briefing session on export financing programs in the Gangwon region will be conducted. Various policy financial institutions, including the Export-Import Bank of Korea, Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, and Industrial Bank of Korea, are expected to participate. These institutions will introduce various programs, including loans and guarantees for export companies, and provide tailored support for companies seeking consultations.Deputy Director Bae emphasized, "Despite the government and related agencies operating various export support systems, smaller companies located outside the capital region often face difficulties in accessing these resources. We will focus on resolving these gaps through regional meetings, export financing, and certification system briefings."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-03 14:28:00