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  • 354 Students Granted Relief After Server Crash During College Admissions
    354 Students Granted Relief After Server Crash During College Admissions In an unprecedented server crash just before the deadline for the 2027 college admissions early application period, education authorities have decided to grant relief to 354 students. However, three students who checked competition rates during the one-hour extension and submitted applications were met with strict cancellation recommendations.The Ministry of Education and the Korea Association of University Education (KACE) announced the results of the relief review and the investigation into unfair cases on the 17th, following the server outage of Uway Apply that occurred on the 11th.Based on objective computer data (log records), the review confirmed that out of 1,588 relief applications, 354 were approved for final submission. Additionally, three cases were identified where students checked competition rates and then submitted applications during the extended time (6 PM to 7 PM), leading to recommendations for cancellation to the respective universities.To prevent indiscriminate relief, the Ministry and KACE applied strict criteria, including the existence of error records at the time of the server outage (5:50 PM on the 11th) and the submission history for the relevant admissions process (writing, saving, submitting, and payment attempts).Through this evaluation, 414 applications were identified as eligible for relief, with 354 completing the final procedures, including payment.The Ministry explained, "Considering that 16 out of 116 universities that were supposed to close at 6 PM did not extend their deadlines, it was unavoidable to grant relief to those applicants who were deprived of the opportunity to apply."The 354 approved applications were distributed across 40 universities and 306 programs. With the inclusion of these relief cases, the average competition rate for these 40 universities rose slightly from 9.634 to 9.635, indicating a minimal impact on admissions outcomes.Individually, Kyungpook National University had the highest number of relief cases at 72, followed by Kyung Hee University with 51, Chung-Ang University with 48, Chonnam National University with 27, and Kookmin University with 26.The Ministry emphasized, "There was no concentration of relief cases in specific programs."One notable aspect of this action was the strong sanctions against what is referred to as 'vacancy raiding' (changing applications to programs with lower competition rates at the last minute).According to the Ministry's investigation, although the server crash extended the application deadline to 7 PM, 17 universities, including Sungkyunkwan University, disclosed competition rates based on the original deadline of 6 PM. The Ministry conducted a detailed analysis of 39 applications submitted after the extension and confirmed three cases where students submitted applications after checking competition rates.The Ministry stated, "These three cases were deemed to seriously undermine fairness among applicants and the integrity of the admissions process, leading us to recommend cancellation to the respective universities in collaboration with KACE."With the initial response to the server outage concluded, education authorities plan to accelerate a thorough investigation and system overhaul of Uway Apply.A special investigation team composed of the Ministry and KACE is currently conducting a detailed review of Uway Apply's system operations and management, and will take strict measures based on identified issues in accordance with relevant laws and contractual obligations.Minister of Education Cho Kyoo-jin stated, "We prioritized fairness and equity in our actions to relieve affected students based on objective facts and computer data, while ensuring that no disadvantages arise for students who submitted their applications normally. We will also establish fundamental improvement measures to enhance the stability and reliability of the entire application system."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:56:00
  • Samsungs people-first creed under test as chip bonanza deepens divisions
    Samsung's people-first creed under test as chip bonanza deepens divisions Editors Note: This is the first of a two-part AJP series examining the side effects of the chip bonanza, starting with the widening fault lines inside Samsung Electronics. SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) - A few decades ago, every Samsung office had corporate slogans from founder Lee Byung-chull hanging on the wall. One read: "Men make business." Lee prided himself on having devoted 80 percent of his life to finding and cultivating talent. The creed ran through the spine of Samsung across three generations. Samsung has never been richer or more powerful, yet its people have rarely been so divided under the watch of Lee's grandson, Lee Jae-yong. Samsung Electronics Labor Union Donghaeng, representing workers in the company's once-hallmark home appliance and smartphone businesses, will launch an open-ended protest Friday near Lee's residence in Hannam-dong, central Seoul, over what it sees as pay injustice during the chip heyday. The relay of one-person protests will continue until its demands are met, the union says. Donghaeng wants 1,000 Samsung Electronics shares for each employee in the Device eXperience (DX) division, the creation of a companywide pool funded by a portion of corporate performance and a uniform base-pay increase rate across divisions. The dispute has grown beyond a disagreement over this year's compensation. It is increasingly reshaping Samsung's union landscape along the fault line between its semiconductor and consumer businesses. At the center of the divide is a wage agreement reached in May. Under the agreement, Samsung introduced a special performance bonus for its Device Solutions (DS) division, which houses its semiconductor operations, funded by 10.5 percent of the division's business performance. Employees in DX, which oversees smartphones, televisions and home appliances, were offered company shares worth about 6 million won ($4,300) each on top of the existing compensation system. The disparity triggered a backlash among some DX employees and raised a broader question over Samsung's practice of tying compensation closely to the performance of individual businesses when employees ultimately work for the same company. The tension has become particularly pronounced as Samsung's semiconductor earnings have surged to unprecedented levels with the AI boom, leaving its non-chip businesses relatively behind. A former Samsung Electronics employee, who requested anonymity, said differences in performance bonuses between business units were nothing new. In the past, employees largely accepted them because bonuses reflected the performance of their respective businesses and payouts were capped at 50 percent of annual salary, the former employee said. "When one business did well, people generally accepted that employees there would receive more," the person said. What has changed is the sheer scale of the money now at stake. "As the amounts have become much larger, the structure itself makes conflict difficult to avoid," the person said. The problem is particularly acute inside Samsung's semiconductor operations, where employees can be assigned or transferred among businesses including memory, System LSI and foundry. "Imagine how uncomfortable it can be in the elevator of a chip building when compensation can differ by hundreds of millions of won per person depending on which floor they work on," said another former Samsung Electronics employee. Employees may perform broadly similar work but receive substantially different compensation depending on the fortunes of the business unit to which they happen to belong. "If these were completely separate companies from the beginning, it might be different," the first former employee said. "But employees can move from memory to System LSI and between different organizations. When the difference becomes this large simply because of where someone happens to be at a particular point in time, there will inevitably be people who feel unfairly treated." The growing stakes are now visible in Samsung's union membership. Donghaeng had only about 2,600 members around the time the wage agreement was reached in May. Its membership has since surged, with recent reports putting the figure at around 30,000, making it Samsung Electronics' second-largest union. Samsung's largest union, the Samsung Group Super Enterprise Union's Samsung Electronics branch, has moved in the opposite direction. The union briefly exceeded 76,000 members and secured majority-union status earlier this year, but its membership has since declined. Its composition has changed even more dramatically. According to internal union data reported by local media, DX employees accounted for 28.1 percent of its membership at the end of March. By the end of August, their share had fallen to around 1 percent. The union is now pursuing a restructuring centered on Samsung's DS division and is considering limiting future membership to semiconductor employees. The shift shows how differences in business performance and compensation are increasingly shaping the way Samsung employees organize themselves. The split has also spilled outside the company. About 7,000 people attended a Donghaeng rally outside Samsung's Suwon campus on July 16, according to organizers, demanding that management address the compensation disparity. The union staged another protest near Samsung's Seocho headquarters in August. Friday's demonstration takes the campaign a step further, moving the dispute from Samsung workplaces to the vicinity of Lee's private residence. But Samsung's labor divisions are becoming more complicated than a simple DS-versus-DX split. Within the semiconductor division itself, employees in the foundry and System LSI businesses have raised concerns about compensation gaps with the highly profitable memory business. Samsung's largest union has signaled that improving performance-pay rules for employees in loss-making semiconductor operations will be among the issues it pursues in future negotiations. The former Samsung employee said this intra-division gap could be particularly difficult to accept because placement in a particular semiconductor business is not always entirely an employee's choice. New hires, for example, may be assigned to memory, System LSI or foundry while doing broadly comparable engineering work. That was less contentious when the potential difference in compensation was smaller. "In the past, even if there was a difference, people tended to think, 'That business did well, so they received more,'" the former employee said. "The situation changes when the absolute amount becomes much larger." The changing compensation landscape is also affecting the competition for engineering talent. The former Samsung employee recalled that Samsung itself had used compensation aggressively to attract overseas engineers during an earlier period of semiconductor expansion in the 2000s, offering competitive packages to lure experienced workers to Korea. "Compensation is probably the strongest advertisement when it comes to recruiting good people," the person said. The observation comes as Samsung competes with SK hynix for semiconductor engineers during an unprecedented AI-driven memory boom. Meanwhile, tensions within Samsung's largest union have intensified. Members are voting on a proposed DS-focused restructuring alongside no-confidence motions targeting two union officials. Union Chairman Choi Seung-ho has separately faced scrutiny over purchases of rally supplies from a company operated by his father-in-law. Choi has acknowledged the family relationship but said the supplier was selected after considering price, quality and delivery schedules. He denied providing improper financial benefits to himself or relatives. A separate criminal case has further strained relations among Samsung's unions. Police earlier this month referred Choi and another union official to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Personal Information Protection Act in connection with personal information involving more than 100,000 Samsung employees. The case has prompted competing petition campaigns. Donghaeng has collected more than 15,000 signatures seeking strict punishment, while Samsung's largest union this week began seeking up to 30,000 signatures asking authorities for leniency for Choi and another official. The latter has budgeted about 20 million won ($14,000) in union funds for the electronic petition campaign, prompting internal questions over the use of membership dues. The developments mark a sharp turn from earlier this year, when Samsung's major unions joined forces in wage negotiations with management. The dispute is now unfolding on several fronts — between labor and management, between unions representing employees with different compensation interests and, increasingly, within the unions themselves. Donghaeng Union has borrowed Samsung's founding creed in an ad it has been running on a Times Square billboard since early this month. It is not just a protest, but a reminder of what the company was built on — and what it risks losing if widening divisions among its own people are left unattended. AJP Takeaways - Samsung's chip boom is widening compensation gaps between its semiconductor and consumer electronics employees. - The divide is reshaping Samsung's labor landscape, with unions increasingly organizing around different business and compensation interests. - The dispute is spreading within the chip division itself, raising questions over whether Samsung's performance-based pay system remains sustainable as payouts surge. 2026-09-17 16:51:20
  • Doosan Accelerates Semiconductor Expansion with $1 Billion Investment in CCL
    Doosan Accelerates Semiconductor Expansion with $1 Billion Investment in CCL Doosan Group is rapidly expanding its semiconductor operations. Following its recent acquisition of SK Siltron, which marked its entry into the semiconductor wafer business, the company plans to invest approximately 1 trillion won in copper-clad laminates (CCL) for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, aiming to establish semiconductor materials as a new growth pillar.On September 17, Doosan announced it will invest a total of 970 billion won in CCL production facilities in South Korea and China. This investment represents the largest facility investment in the company's history. The investment will be carried out over three years, with the expanded production lines expected to begin operations in the second half of 2028.In South Korea, Doosan will invest about 420 billion won to expand its CCL production line for optical modules. In China, approximately 550 billion won will be allocated to build a CCL manufacturing plant for AI accelerators and network switches.The choice of production locations was made based on product characteristics and urgency. The CCL line for optical modules in South Korea will utilize specialized personnel to ensure quality and protect core technologies. In contrast, the Chinese facility will benefit from the concentration of global PCB manufacturers, allowing for rapid customer response and quick establishment of the plant to meet changing demands.As investments in AI data centers increase, the demand for CCL is also rising swiftly. Major global tech companies have announced large-scale expansion plans, leading to significant orders for CCL, with Doosan's domestic production line already exceeding 100% capacity.For over 50 years, Doosan has led the localization of CCL and has established itself as a key supplier for global AI semiconductor companies. Doosan's Electronics Business Group is projected to surpass 1 trillion won in sales for the first time in 2024, following a remarkable 86% increase to approximately 1.9 trillion won last year.Yoo Seung-woo, CEO of Doosan, stated, "Global clients recognize our long-accumulated technological capabilities and supply capacity. As the AI data center market grows and customer orders become larger, we aim to respond to our clients' trust by investing ahead of time to supply the necessary quantities promptly and accelerate our long-term growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:48:10
  • President Yoon Meets IEA Chief to Discuss Global Energy Crisis
    President Yoon Meets IEA Chief to Discuss Global Energy Crisis President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Fatih Birol, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), on September 17 to discuss strategies for overcoming the global energy crisis and transitioning to renewable energy.During the meeting at the Blue House, President Yoon acknowledged the escalating energy crisis worldwide, stating, "The IEA must be facing many challenges as the global energy crisis intensifies."He added, "We are in the process of significantly transforming our energy system to focus on renewable energy, but the recent energy crisis stemming from the Middle East is a major obstacle to this transition."Yoon emphasized that this is a critical moment for South Korea and that there is heightened awareness of energy-related crises globally. He requested Birol's insights on response strategies and future developments, reiterating South Korea's commitment to international cooperation in line with IEA strategic policies.In response, Birol remarked, "The world is currently facing an unprecedented energy crisis, and many countries are keen to establish new strategies to avoid experiencing such difficulties again."He identified electrification as a key policy for ensuring energy security, commending the South Korean government's decision to prioritize electrification in its energy policy over the coming years. Birol stated, "I would like to celebrate and positively assess South Korea's focus on electrification, and we plan to communicate this direction to the world."He further noted that achieving electrification goals would not only benefit South Korea's sovereignty and economy but also contribute to emission reductions in response to the climate crisis, expressing gratitude for the visionary leadership shown by President Yoon.The meeting also covered trends in the international energy industry and policies, strategies for enhancing energy security through electrification, and cooperation in energy supply chains in the Asia-Pacific region.Birol expressed the view that as renewable energy becomes the primary power source, the complementary use of nuclear power could help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. President Yoon conveyed his intention to expand cooperation with the IEA to strengthen energy capabilities among Asia-Pacific nations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:48:10
  • Special Forces Soldier Dies After Collapsing During Martial Arts Test
    Special Forces Soldier Dies After Collapsing During Martial Arts Test A soldier in his 20s collapsed during a martial arts test and later died while receiving treatment, prompting an investigation into the incident.According to Yonhap News Agency, military authorities reported that on September 10 at 10:50 a.m., a 20-year-old sergeant, identified as A, collapsed while participating in a sparring session as part of a martial arts promotion test at a gym in a Special Forces unit in Incheon.It is believed that A exhibited abnormal symptoms during the sparring process. He was transported to a nearby hospital in an unconscious state but ultimately passed away.Military officials and police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding A's collapse and the details of the testing process. However, as of now, the exact cause of death and specific circumstances of the incident remain unconfirmed.A's family has decided to donate his organs despite the sudden tragedy. A military official stated, “The family chose to donate his organs so that their son’s death could be remembered more meaningfully amid their grief.”Martial arts training, including special forces, is utilized for combat and close-quarters situations. The Korea Special Forces Martial Arts Association also regularly conducts promotion tests.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:44:00
  • South Korea Deploys Rapid Response Team for Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games
    South Korea Deploys Rapid Response Team for Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it will dispatch a government joint rapid response team to Nagoya during the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to support the prevention and response to incidents involving South Korean citizens.According to the ministry, the rapid response team consists of nine personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Intelligence Service, and the Anti-Terrorism Center, divided into three groups. They will be deployed from today until October 4. The team plans to engage in activities such as preventing incidents involving South Korean citizens, establishing cooperative relationships with local law enforcement, and monitoring security and terrorism trends.With the Chuseok holiday approaching (September 24-26), a significant increase in South Korean visitors to Nagoya is expected. Consequently, the team will conduct safety inspections near stadiums and major tourist sites, promote overseas safety travel for visitors, and ensure prompt consular assistance in the event of incidents to prioritize the safety of South Korean citizens. 2026-09-17 16:44:00
  • Ssangyong Construction Wins $21.5 Billion Contract for Singapore Hospital
    Ssangyong Construction Wins $21.5 Billion Contract for Singapore Hospital Ssangyong Construction has secured a contract worth approximately 3 trillion won ($21.5 billion) for the construction of the Tengah General and Community Hospital, commissioned by the Singapore Ministry of Health.On September 17, Ssangyong Construction announced that this marks the largest single project order in the company's history. The contract amount exceeds last year's revenue of 1.8 trillion won.The hospital will be located in the Tengah area of western Singapore, comprising seven buildings with a total of 1,534 beds across three basement levels and nine above-ground floors. The construction period, including design, is set for a total of 63 months.The Tengah General Hospital is a key healthcare infrastructure project for the western region of Singapore. It will be operated by the National University Health System (NUHS), which plans to create a large integrated medical campus incorporating clinical research and digital healthcare solutions.Among 11 companies that participated in the bidding, Ssangyong Construction was the only South Korean firm to pass the Pre-Qualification (PQ) process. The company competed against three other finalists. Although its bid was not the lowest, it was selected as the final contractor, surpassing competitors from Japan and China.Ssangyong Construction previously completed the Woodlands Health Campus project for the Singapore Ministry of Health in April 2024, which included eight buildings with a total of 1,500 beds and a construction cost of 1.6 trillion won.A representative from Ssangyong Construction stated, "This project involves a comprehensive contract from design to construction issued by the Singapore government. As we undertake this large hospital project independently, we aim to enhance our competitiveness in the Singapore construction market through successful completion."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:40:10
  • Raffles Singapore Named 17th Best Hotel in the World
    Raffles Singapore Named 17th Best Hotel in the World A hotel with nearly 140 years of history has once again made it onto the list of the world's top hotels. Raffles Hotel Singapore, which opened in 1887, has maintained its reputation by preserving its historic building and service while continuously adding new offerings in gastronomy and wellness.On September 15, Raffles Hotel Singapore was ranked 17th in the 'World's 50 Best Hotels 2026' announced in Paris. It is the only hotel from Singapore to make the top 50 this year.This ranking, now in its fourth year, is determined by a vote from over 800 experts, including hoteliers, travel journalists, and business travelers, who comprise the '50 Best Hotels Academy.' The Academy divides the world into 13 regions and rotates 25% of its voting members each year.Raffles' history is intertwined with the history of Singapore's hotel industry. The hotel began operations in 1887, and its iconic white Neoclassical main building was completed in 1899. The Singapore government designated the hotel as a national monument in 1987, marking its 100th anniversary.The hotel has a rich narrative, having hosted literary figures such as Joseph Conrad, Rudyard Kipling, and Somerset Maugham, contributing to Raffles' unique literary tradition. The 'Singapore Sling,' now a signature cocktail of Singapore, was also created at Raffles' Long Bar.However, Raffles has not solely relied on its history. The hotel has undergone renovations to adapt to changing times. It closed for extensive restoration in 1989 and reopened in 1991, followed by another major renovation that began in 2017.The most recent turning point came in 2019, when the hotel reopened in August after nearly two years of work. While preserving the architectural and atmospheric essence, it added new restaurants, bars, courtyards, and commercial and social spaces. Currently, all 115 rooms are suites, with no standard rooms available.The way Raffles conveys its nearly 140-year history to today's guests is also evolving. In April, renowned chef André Chiang returned to Singapore's fine dining scene with '1887 by André,' named after the year the hotel first opened.'1887 by André' is a space that interprets the hotel's history through cuisine. Chiang sourced ingredients from records at Raffles and Singapore's culinary heritage, blending French cooking techniques with local food and culture in the hotel's historic formal dining room.The results have been swift. '1887 by André' received two stars from the Michelin Guide this year and was also selected for the 'Opening of the Year Award.' This initiative to reinterpret the hotel's 19th-century history into a 2026 culinary experience has become another competitive edge.Raffles' signature butler service continues to thrive. While maintaining the core elements of its 115 suites, architecture, and butler service, the hotel adapts its culinary, wellness, and cultural offerings to meet contemporary standards.The transformation that began in Singapore has also led to new spaces. Last year, 'Raffles Sentosa Singapore,' the second Raffles in Singapore, opened on Sentosa Island. This all-villa resort features 62 private pool villas nestled in a lush tropical hillside. Raffles has expanded its reach from a heritage hotel in the city center to a luxury resort destination.Jasmine Hall, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of Raffles Hotel Singapore, commented on the recent recognition, saying, "This result reflects our efforts to evolve steadily over nearly 140 years in line with changing times. Our role is to harmoniously present historical heritage and traditional service with modern experiences for a new generation."The competitiveness of a hotel that has survived for nearly 140 years cannot be explained solely by 'preservation.' While maintaining the core structure of the building and service, it has adapted its content to the times. Following the major restoration in 2019, the introduction of '1887 by André' this year has enhanced its culinary competitiveness. This is why Raffles continues to be recognized in global hotel rankings without relying solely on its past glory.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:40:10
  • Homeplus Seeks New Owners for 67 Hypermarkets as M&A Process Begins
    Homeplus Seeks New Owners for 67 Hypermarkets as M&A Process Begins Homeplus, which recently received court approval for its rehabilitation plan, has officially begun the process of asset sales and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Following the sale of its corporate supermarket division, Homeplus Express, the company is now seeking new owners for its remaining hypermarkets, online business, and headquarters as part of its recovery efforts.According to the retail and financial investment sectors on September 17, Homeplus has initiated M&A procedures for 67 hypermarkets, including its headquarters and online division, in accordance with the court's rehabilitation plan. This follows the approval of the rehabilitation plan by the Seoul Bankruptcy Court on September 2, marking a significant step forward.The sale process will proceed on two tracks based on the nature of the business. The core business, which includes the 67 hypermarkets, online division, and headquarters, will be sold as a unified entity through a business transfer, while the real estate of 19 owned properties among the closed stores will be sold individually to secure liquidity. Samil Accounting Corporation, the lead advisor for the sale, is expected to send investment memorandums to potential buyers this week.Previously, Homeplus sold Homeplus Express to NS Home Shopping, a subsidiary of Harim Group. With the remaining divisions, including the hypermarkets, online business, and headquarters now on the market, the M&A process is gaining momentum.The rehabilitation plan submitted by Homeplus consists of three main components: selling the 19 owned properties among the closed stores to improve financial structure, normalizing operations and reducing fixed costs to enhance profitability, and pursuing M&A for the remaining business divisions.Homeplus is also working on normalizing operations. The company is focusing all available funds on securing products for the 67 core stores, which reopened on August 7. Homeplus has reported that it has reduced fixed costs, including rent and labor, by approximately 500 billion won through the rehabilitation process.If the M&A is successful, Homeplus will need to revise its rehabilitation plan. The company plans to submit a new plan reflecting the sale proceeds to the court after the sale contracts are signed. Depending on the sale results, the timeline for repaying creditors may be accelerated compared to the original plan. 2026-09-17 16:40:00
  • KOSPI Closes Slightly Lower Despite Feds Hawkish Signal
    KOSPI Closes Slightly Lower Despite Fed's Hawkish Signal The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time in over three years and hinted at the possibility of further increases this year, yet the KOSPI index closed with minimal change. After starting the day nearly 1% higher, the index surrendered its gains due to continued selling by foreign investors. Despite the Fed's hawkish monetary policy, the market showed limited reaction.On September 17, the Korea Exchange reported that the KOSPI closed at 6,715.41, down 2.56 points (0.04%) from the previous trading day. The index opened at 6,779.02, up 61.05 points (0.91%), fluctuating around the 6,770 mark before reversing its gains as the session ended.Leading semiconductor stocks that initially drove the early gains also gave back their increases. Samsung Electronics fell by 0.39%, while SK Hynix dropped 0.80%. In the securities market, individual and institutional investors bought a net 483.3 billion won and 227.2 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors sold a net 2.4153 trillion won.Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's hawkish comments raised concerns about tightening, but some analysts noted that much of this apprehension had already been priced in. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, stated, "Since the possibility of a rate hike was largely anticipated, the market's reaction was limited, and the easing of international oil price increases has led to relatively favorable investor sentiment."Earlier, U.S. markets fell amid growing caution over the Fed's rate hike and potential further tightening. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.21%, while the S&P 500 fell 0.45%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite ended down 0.01%.During the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, the Fed decided to raise the benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 3.75% to 4.00%. This marks the first rate increase in approximately three years and two months. With the Fed leaving the door open for additional rate hikes this year, concerns about the intensity of future tightening have increased. U.S. Treasury yields also rose, with the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield surpassing 5% during the session.Given the FOMC's unexpectedly hawkish stance, there are concerns that market interpretations may diverge, leading to increased volatility in the short term. However, analysts believe that the focus should be on the future intensity of tightening and corporate earnings rather than the rate hike itself.Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, noted, "While short-term rates have risen following the FOMC, the increase in long-term rates, such as the 10-year yield, has been limited. It is more appropriate to weigh the direction of the 10-year yield and international oil prices rather than the additional 25 basis point hike itself."He added, "Since 1994, there have been six periods of Fed rate hikes, and during these periods, the average return of the KOSPI has been 9.1%. The consensus for KOSPI's operating profit in 2026 is expected to be around 990 trillion won, which is a reassuring factor."Lee Kyung-min also mentioned, "While we should consider the KOSPI's support around the 6,600 level as we digest the hawkish FOMC, this could be an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming earnings season after addressing the concerns over the hawkish monetary policy. In the short term, we need to be ready for movements in the mid-7,000s, and in the long term, towards the high 8,000s, aiming for historical peaks."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:40:00