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  • South Koreas Foreign Ministry Clarifies Delays in U.S. Investment Agreement
    South Korea's Foreign Ministry Clarifies Delays in U.S. Investment Agreement The South Korean Foreign Ministry clarified on September 17 that the delay in the schedule for the first U.S. investment agreement, as stated by Foreign Minister Park Jin, is due to remaining domestic procedures rather than differences between South Korea and the United States. A ministry official remarked, "It seems to imply that further coordination on details is necessary between the two countries."During a briefing with reporters, the official added, "This should be interpreted as a process of finding common ground rather than a conflict between South Korea and the U.S." The official further explained that Park's comments connected the need for domestic procedures to the completion of detailed coordination.Additionally, the official noted, "I understand that reporting to the National Assembly through government discussions is necessary. It would have been preferable to finalize this sooner, but there are various positions, including our economic interests." The official projected that finding common ground for a final agreement between the two countries may take some time.Earlier that day, Minister Park, before departing for a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stated to reporters, "There are no differences between South Korea and the U.S.; it is about resolving procedural issues domestically. What we can do is explain to the U.S. and maintain a clear stance on any issues that contradict our national interests or differ from our position."Meanwhile, the government was scheduled to report the first U.S. investment project to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy and the Ministry of Economy and Finance on the same day, but the meeting was unexpectedly postponed the day before. This has led to speculation that the delay may be due to disagreements between South Korea and the U.S.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:20:20
  • Free Attractions to Visit During Chuseok Holiday
    Free Attractions to Visit During Chuseok Holiday As the Chuseok holiday approaches, various attractions in Seoul, from art museums to palaces and nature recreation areas across the country, will open their doors for free. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, whether on a date, with family, or exploring exhibitions alone.The National Museum of Modern Art will offer free admission during the holiday. The Gwacheon, Deoksugung, and Cheongju branches will be open for free from September 24 to 27. The Seoul branch will be closed on Chuseok day, September 25, but will be open for free on September 24 and from September 26 to 27.For couples planning a day in downtown Seoul, a visit to Deoksugung Palace and the National Museum of Modern Art's Deoksugung branch is a great option. Deoksugung Palace will be open for free from September 24 to 27.If you are visiting with children, the Seoul Museum of History will host a Chuseok event. The event, titled 'Hangawi Hanmadang - Colorful Chuseok,' will take place on September 26 from noon to 4 p.m.Activities include traditional games such as 'gilssimnori' at noon and at 1 and 2 p.m., as well as fusion Korean music busking at 1:30 and 3 p.m. Visitors can also participate in traditional games like 'neolttwigi,' 'tuho,' 'jegichagi,' and 'janggi,' along with hands-on experiences using traditional tools like 'jige' and 'jeolgu.'Experience programs such as folk painting, making full moon wish lanterns, and creating knot coasters will also be available. Some programs will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may end early if materials run out.If you want to enjoy the holiday atmosphere with your parents, Namsangol Hanok Village is worth considering. The village will host 'Namsan Moonlight Square' from September 25 to 27, open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Basic admission is free.On September 25, a program will explore the significance of traditional rituals and holiday customs through a Chuseok ritual table. The 4th World Pansori Festival will take place over two days, from September 25 to 26, followed by traditional tightrope walking and performance shows on September 27.If you prefer to escape the city and spend time in the woods, the National Nature Recreation Areas are also an option. The government will waive entrance fees for 48 national nature recreation areas from September 24 to 26.Four national arboretums will also have waived entrance fees during the Chuseok holiday, but their actual opening days vary. The National Sejong Arboretum, National Baekdu-daegan Arboretum, and National Korean Native Plant Arboretum will be open on September 24 and 26 to 27, while the National Arboretum in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, will be closed from September 24 to 26 and will open on September 27.This year's Chuseok holiday spans from September 24 to 27. There are many options for enjoying exhibitions and traditional culture in downtown Seoul or heading to nearby forests without spending money. However, since the free admission dates, closure days, and reservation requirements vary by facility, it is advisable to check the official websites of each institution for operational information before visiting.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:20:20
  • U.S.-South Korea Talks on Hormuz Contributions Postponed
    U.S.-South Korea Talks on Hormuz Contributions Postponed Government officials have postponed the National Security Council (NSC) standing committee meeting, indicating a cautious approach regarding military contributions in the Hormuz Strait. Instead of finalizing their stance, the government aims to narrow down support methods and scope after discussions at the U.S.-South Korea foreign minister meeting. On the morning of September 17, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun departed for Washington, D.C., to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two ministers are scheduled to meet on September 18 (local time) to discuss a wide range of topics, including U.S.-South Korea relations, the Korean Peninsula, and regional and global issues. This will be their first bilateral meeting in seven months, providing an opportunity for both foreign ministers to exchange views on the Hormuz situation. Before his departure, Cho told reporters that the decision regarding troop deployment to Hormuz has not been made and is under consideration based on various factors. He emphasized that while South Korea will participate in international cooperation, the safety of its citizens and the freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait will be prioritized. During the meeting, Cho is expected to explain the South Korean government's review process and public sentiment while also gauging the U.S. expectations for contributions. Without understanding the specific forms and levels of support the U.S. seeks—whether it be personnel, equipment, or technical assistance—South Korea's options and negotiation leverage may be limited. The government is reportedly examining discussions not only with the U.S. but also with a multinational coalition led by the United Kingdom and France. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it will assess the Hormuz issue from a broader perspective, considering freedom of navigation, energy supply, and the safety of local populations. First Vice Minister Park Yoon-joo mentioned during a National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee meeting that the discussions with the international community fundamentally revolve around contributions and how to assist in restoring stability. The introduction of nuclear-powered submarines and the expansion of uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing rights are also expected to be key agenda items for this meeting. Cho stated that he aims to expedite the implementation of the fact sheet (joint explanatory materials) while maintaining a clear stance on issues that contradict national interests or South Korea's position. Meanwhile, the NSC standing committee meeting originally scheduled for today has been postponed. The Blue House did not provide specific reasons for the delay, but it appears to be a strategic decision to assess the outcomes of the U.S.-South Korea foreign minister meeting, especially with Cho's absence. Discussions are ongoing regarding the limited deployment of non-combat defensive forces, such as maritime patrol aircraft, explosive ordnance disposal teams, and unmanned equipment, or providing equipment and technical support. Some voices within the ruling party have suggested that instead of sending troops, South Korea could leverage its strengths in shipbuilding and plant sectors to support post-conflict reconstruction and recovery. The ongoing negotiations regarding U.S. investments, which have not yet been finalized, also present a variable. Cho commented on the delay in reporting the first U.S. investment project to the National Assembly, stating that it is more about clarifying domestic procedural issues than differences between South Korea and the U.S. Following the scheduled press conference by President Lee Jae-myung on September 18 and the U.S.-South Korea foreign minister meeting, the government is expected to finalize its contributions to the Hormuz situation. After completing his schedule in Washington, Cho will travel to New York on September 19 to coordinate meetings with senior UN officials and foreign ministers from various countries. Issues that could not be resolved at the ministerial level may be addressed through further discussions at the UN General Assembly. 2026-09-17 16:20:10
  • Chinese Stock Market Declines Amid U.S. Interest Rate Hike; Impact Seen as Limited
    Chinese Stock Market Declines Amid U.S. Interest Rate Hike; Impact Seen as Limited The Chinese stock market, which rebounded the previous day, fell again on September 17. The decline was attributed to the impact of the U.S. interest rate hike. The Shanghai Composite Index closed down 0.41% at 3,875.60, the Shenzhen Component Index dropped 0.33% to 13,409.91, and the ChiNext Index fell 0.40% to 3,298.31.On September 16, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.75% to 4.00%. This marked the first rate increase since July 2023. All 12 voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) supported the decision. Notably, the market is focused on the potential for further rate hikes. The median forecast for the year-end interest rate among 18 Fed officials is now 4.1%, up 0.3 percentage points from the June estimate, with 16 of the 18 officials expecting at least one more increase this year.Luo Zhiheng, chief economist at Yuekai Securities, stated, "The Chinese stock market will be affected by the U.S. interest rate hike, but it may also show independent trends." He added, "The direction of the Chinese stock market will be more influenced by the fundamentals of the Chinese economy and industry rather than pressure from interest rate differentials. In the medium to long term, there is a possibility of additional economic stimulus measures, and as stabilization funds gradually flow into the market and corporate performance is quickly reflected, the market may withstand external shocks."Yang Delong, chief economist at Qianhai Kaiyuan Fund, also assessed that the recent rate hike will not fundamentally impact the Chinese stock market. He noted, "The Chinese stock market has undergone significant adjustments in the third quarter, effectively completing the process of eliminating the tech bubble. The previous declines have largely priced in concerns over high valuations in the tech sector and the potential for U.S. Fed rate hikes."On this day, the automotive sector showed strength, with stocks like Ankai Bus, Haima Automobile, and Zhongtai Automobile hitting their daily limits. Guangzhou Automobile announced plans to acquire a stake in a specific joint venture with DiDi through a new share issuance, which, upon completion, will make it the second-largest shareholder in Guangzhou Automobile. This joint venture is reported to be with Ichito Toyota. The market viewed this as a positive development signaling the start of restructuring in the automotive industry.The leisure sector also saw gains, with Dalian Shengya reaching its daily limit and Changbai Mountain and Xiyu Travel recording significant increases. In China, there are only three working days between the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day holiday, and taking three days off can lead to a maximum of 13 consecutive days of vacation. According to data from travel platform Qunar as of September 16, bookings for flights and hotels during the National Day holiday this week increased by 56% compared to the previous week, with long-haul flight bookings over 2,000 kilometers doubling from the previous year.Meanwhile, the People's Bank of China set the yuan's central parity rate against the dollar at 6.7580 yuan, a decrease of 0.0048 yuan from the previous day, reflecting a 0.07% increase in the value of the yuan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:16:10
  • Shinhan Bank Allocates Additional 500 Billion Won for Housing Loans
    Shinhan Bank Allocates Additional 500 Billion Won for Housing Loans Shinhan Bank has allocated an additional limit for housing loans through loan brokers. This temporary expansion of broker applications aims to enhance loan accessibility for young people and actual homebuyers.According to the financial sector on September 17, Shinhan Bank has designated a total of 500 billion won for a special limit on housing loans through broker channels. Starting on September 18, 250 billion won will be allocated first, with the remaining 250 billion won to be supplied from October 2. The target audience is individual customers aged 39 and under.Previously, Shinhan Bank resumed accepting housing loan applications through brokers on September 1, but the influx of applications led to the closure of submissions by 5 p.m. the following day. This special limit is separate from the already exhausted limit for September.A Shinhan Bank official stated, "We have allocated this special limit to support the government's initiative for youth housing stability and to strengthen financial support for actual homebuyers." The official added, "While managing the overall household loan volume stably, we will carefully ensure that necessary funds are supplied to young people and actual homebuyers without disruption."Meanwhile, following the recent easing of household loan volume management limits under the 8.13 measures, banks are expanding their lending operations, which they had previously restricted. IBK Industrial Bank also resumed accepting housing loans and jeonse (key money deposit) loans through brokers starting September 15.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:16:00
  • Seoul Housing Prices Surge, Driven by Outer Areas with 17% Increase Over 84 Weeks
    Seoul Housing Prices Surge, Driven by Outer Areas with 17% Increase Over 84 Weeks Seoul's apartment prices have risen for 84 consecutive weeks, nearing the previous record of 85 weeks. Unlike past trends where prices fell in outer areas first, this time, the Gangnam district is experiencing declines while outer regions are on the rise. Although the duration of this increase is shorter than before, the cumulative rise is more than double.According to the Korea Real Estate Agency, as of the second week of September (September 14), the average sale price of apartments in Seoul increased by 0.16% compared to the previous week, marking 84 weeks of continuous growth since the first week of February last year. This leaves just one week before matching the longest streak of 85 weeks recorded from June 2020 to January 2022.During the previous longest growth period, prices began to decline in Eunpyeong District on December 20, 2021, followed by Dobong and Gangbuk Districts on December 27, and Seongbuk and Nowon Districts on January 10 of the following year. The overall sale prices in Seoul fell on January 24, ending that growth phase, although Gangnam and Seocho Districts saw slight increases of 0.01%.In contrast, Gangnam and Seocho Districts have experienced six consecutive weeks of declines since August 10, while Songpa District has seen two weeks of decreases. However, all other 22 districts have reported price increases. This week, Jungnang District recorded the highest rise at 0.51%, followed by Seodaemun and Dobong Districts at 0.47% each, and Seongbuk District at 0.43%, highlighting the strength of outer areas.The cumulative increase during this period is also significant. Based on weekly statistics from the Real Estate Agency, the cumulative increase in apartment prices during the previous longest growth period of 85 weeks was 7.71%. In contrast, the current growth period has seen a cumulative increase of 17.34% over 84 weeks, more than double the previous rate despite being one week shorter.However, the recent upward trend is showing signs of slowing. The overall increase in Seoul dropped from 0.29% in the fourth week of August to 0.22%, 0.20%, and finally 0.16%. In outer areas, while Jungnang and Dobong Districts continued to rise, Gangbuk District's increase slowed from 0.46% to 0.26%, indicating regional disparities.Market analysts suggest that the initial surge in core areas like Gangnam has led to a shift in demand towards less expensive regions due to loan and transaction regulations targeting high-priced homes, creating a 'matching' market dynamic.Looking ahead, the key question is whether the weakness in Gangnam will spread to other areas or if the buying momentum in outer regions will continue. It is difficult to assume that a decline will occur at the same time simply because the current growth period is similar to past ones.Seojin Hyung, a professor at Kwangwoon University, stated, "The ongoing supply shortage, coupled with the depreciation of currency value due to increased money supply, is likely to keep upward pressure on housing prices for the time being. In a situation where rental properties are scarce, actual buyers are moving to the sales market, particularly focusing on relatively lower-priced outer areas."Kwon Dae-jung, a professor at Hansung University, noted, "As demand shifts to relatively lower-priced areas, a balloon effect is emerging, suggesting there is potential for further increases until spring next year. While the high-end housing market is experiencing a slowdown due to various regulations, demand is concentrating in mid- to low-priced areas, which could lead to increases in both sale and rental prices."He added, "To quickly fill the supply gap, it is necessary to activate the supply of non-apartment housing. If the issues surrounding the calculation of housing units for multi-family homes and officetels are not addressed, there may be limits to expanding supply." 2026-09-17 16:12:00
  • Design Miami: 12,000 Visitors and Galleries Report Sold-Out Success
    Design Miami: 12,000 Visitors and Galleries Report Sold-Out Success The 'Design Miami: Seoul 2026' event, which concluded on September 6, showcased the potential of 'buying design' beyond mere exhibition.According to the Seoul Design Foundation, a total of 11,972 visitors attended the event over its seven-day run. More than 50 pieces were sold, with some galleries reporting complete sell-outs.This year's theme, 'Resonance: Design in Dialogue,' connected global galleries with Asian designers and brands, bridging different cultures, generations, technologies, and craftsmanship through design. Six international galleries and nine major partners, including Samsung Electronics and Alosso, participated, featuring over 100 designers and more than 230 works, expanding the scale and programming of the international collectible design fair.Notably, 11,972 people visited the DDP during the event, with 2,937 attending the VIP preview on opening day. A total of over 50 pieces were sold, including 35 from gallery exhibits and 15 from in-situ works, leading to numerous purchase negotiations.Italian gallery Alex Turco, making its debut in Seoul, reported results exceeding expectations and expressed a desire to return next year with more exceptional works.Louis Sandino, founder of Side Gallery, praised the diverse material experiments and craft approaches of Korean and Japanese artists, while Simon Stewart, director of Charles Burnand Gallery, highlighted the intersection of Korean craft and design and the experimental work of local artists.The in-situ program showcased works by Asian designers that contemporarily reinterpret traditional Korean materials such as hanji and mother-of-pearl lacquerware, illuminating new possibilities for Korean and Asian design in collaboration with global galleries.Chad Liu from Taiwan's Designsurfing noted that this year's Design Miami: Seoul was a meaningful experience for introducing Taiwanese creators to Korea and discovering new design exchange opportunities in Seoul, hoping such encounters will continue next year.Particularly, partner programs with Samsung Electronics and Alosso received positive responses by merging design with technology, art, and space, expanding design products into new collectible objects.Belgium's STACK is pursuing the establishment of a domestic store following the sell-out of its exhibited works, and some in-situ pieces have attracted inquiries from museums and galleries both domestically and internationally.Design Miami: Seoul plans to enhance its synergy with Frieze Seoul, which will be held at DDP next year, aiming to expand the visits and exchanges of global galleries and collectors in Seoul. The event seeks to further highlight the cultural strengths of Seoul, where contemporary and traditional art and design coexist on the international stage.Jen Roberts, CEO of Design Miami, stated, 'The sales performance across galleries and the in-situ program demonstrates that Seoul is increasing its presence on the international design stage.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:08:00
  • Government to Establish 3 Trillion Won Fund to Support Housing Supply
    Government to Establish 3 Trillion Won Fund to Support Housing Supply The government plans to create a new fund worth 3 trillion won to normalize troubled real estate project financing (PF) sites. The initiative aims to enhance housing supply by revitalizing PF projects that have stalled due to financial difficulties despite their viability.On September 17, Kwon Dae-young, Vice Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, visited an apartment construction site in Dohwa-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, to assess the operation of the 'KAMCO PF Project Normalization Support Fund' and announce plans for the new fund.The Korea Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO) will begin recruiting fund managers in October, with the selection process concluding in December. The goal is to establish the 3 trillion won fund by the first half of next year, with both public and private sectors contributing 1.5 trillion won each.Notably, 60% of the new fund will be invested in residential projects, aiming to supply approximately 18,000 housing units. The Financial Services Commission intends not only to liquidate troubled PF projects but also to enhance their viability through restructuring, ultimately linking it to increased housing supply.The existing KAMCO fund was established in September 2023 with a size of 1.1 trillion won and has so far invested 819.3 billion won. Of this, 373 billion won has been allocated to residential projects, which are expected to provide around 3,881 housing units.A representative example is the project site in Mapo-gu visited by Vice Chairman Kwon. This site failed to transition to a main PF due to rising interest rates and construction costs. However, after KAMCO invested 60.5 billion won, the project was restructured to convert urban living housing into apartments and select a new construction company. Construction began in February, and sales were completed in April, with 178 units set to be supplied.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:04:20
  • Financial Supervisory Service Reports on Consumer Protection Progress
    Financial Supervisory Service Reports on Consumer Protection Progress The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has revealed its achievements in consumer protection over the past year. While it has connected issues identified during the complaints and disputes process to system improvements and established a proactive supervisory framework, challenges remain due to short-term performance-driven sales practices and an increase in complaints and disputes.On September 17, the FSS held a public report meeting in Yeouido, Seoul, to present its accomplishments and future directions regarding consumer protection.The FSS reported that from July of last year to August of this year, it linked 94 cases identified during the complaints and disputes process to system improvements. Notably, during the TMON and WEMAKEPRICE incidents, it recognized the right of installment payment users to withdraw their applications, establishing dispute resolution criteria for 11,696 similar cases amounting to 13.22 billion won.However, the FSS acknowledged that there are still areas for improvement in sales practices for financial products. Among bank-traded exchange-traded funds (ETFs), 94.6% of transactions were short-term trades within six months, yet 91.7% of these transactions were subject to upfront fees, which are unfavorable for short-term trading. This indicates a misalignment between the sales incentives of financial companies and consumer trading tendencies.The FSS's capacity to handle the increasing number of complaints and disputes has not kept pace with their growth. The number of disputes processed rose from 11,578 in the third quarter of last year to 13,469 in the second quarter of this year, a 16.3% increase. During the same period, the number of complaints and disputes received increased from 34,628 to 40,668, a 17.4% rise, slightly outpacing the increase in processed cases.Lee Se-hoon, the FSS's Chief Deputy Commissioner, stated in a pre-briefing, "We still have a long way to go," comparing the progress to running a marathon, saying, "We have only covered about 5 kilometers of the 42-kilometer race."Consumer advocates have pointed out that relying solely on recommendations and best practices is insufficient to change the sales practices of financial companies. Moon Mi-ran, chair of the Consumer Citizens' Association, remarked, "Current measures are formulated as best practices, lacking binding force and penalties for violations. We need to create and sell products that provide real benefits to consumers, going beyond mere procedural compliance."Looking ahead, the FSS plans to solidify its proactive supervisory framework in the design and sales processes of financial products and enhance its capacity to handle complaints and disputes. It will also expand its platform for addressing financial crimes affecting consumers.Lee Chan-jin, the FSS Commissioner, emphasized, "Consumer protection is not a peripheral issue but the foundation of trust that allows finance to exist. The real achievement will be the changes consumers feel in the financial field, making this report not a conclusion but a starting point."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 16:04:10
  • Fed hike stalls KOSPI as shipbuilders outrun chipmakers
    Fed hike stalls KOSPI as shipbuilders outrun chipmakers SEOUL, Sept. 17 (AJP) — Investors in Seoul rotated out of chipmakers and into shipbuilders on Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, leaving the KOSPI flat as foreigners sold for a seventh straight session. Foreign investors dumped a net 2.3 trillion won ($1.6 billion) of shares, lifting their seven-session total above 13 trillion won, as SK hynix and Samsung Electronics slipped and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries jumped 6.6 percent. The same split ran across the region. Chip stocks lagged in Tokyo even as the Nikkei 225 edged higher. Gold miners dragged on Chinese shares. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), the main board of the Korea Exchange, slipped 2.6 points to 6,715.4. It had been up as much as 1.2 percent before foreign selling deepened and erased the gain. Institutions bought a net 158.6 billion won ($114.8 million) and individuals 413.8 billion won ($299.4 million). The Fed, America's central bank, lifted its benchmark rate by a quarter point to a range of 3.75 to 4 percent in a unanimous vote on Wednesday and signaled another increase could come before year-end. Chipmakers took the brunt of the selling. SK hynix fell 0.8 percent to 1,745,000 won ($1,262.6). Samsung Electronics lost a smaller 0.4 percent to 252,500 won ($182.7). Components maker Samsung Electro-Mechanics sank 3.7 percent to 1,330,000 won ($962.3). HD Hyundai Heavy Industries climbed to 469,500 won ($339.7), with local reports tying the rebound to its steep earlier losses and new growth prospects. Kang Jin-hyuk, a senior researcher at Shinhan Securities, said during the session that industrials and financials were propping up the index while chips paused to digest the hawkish Fed. Gainers outnumbered decliners 453 to 398, a sign the flat close hid wider buying beneath the chip heavyweights. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ, South Korea's secondary market, rose 6.2 points to 822.2. The 0.8 percent rise marked its third straight gain. The won weakened 4.6 won to 1,382.1 per dollar. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rose 0.3 percent to 64,136.3 for a second straight session. Chip-testing equipment maker Advantest fell 1.5 percent to 30,240 yen. Fast Retailing and SoftBank Group each gained 1.0 percent, to 67,700 yen and 6,247 yen. The Bank of Japan opened a two-day policy meeting, with its decision due Friday. In Shanghai, the composite index traded lower as metals producers led losses. Shandong Gold slid more than 6 percent, a drop Chinese market reports linked to the Fed's move. Han Ji-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, argued the post-Fed swings are a chance to buy rather than cut exposure, citing intact earnings momentum. That case rests on foreigners returning. Until they do, a market leaning on shipbuilders rather than chips has little room to absorb another hawkish surprise. AJP Takeaways - After the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, investors in Seoul rotated out of chipmakers and into shipbuilders, leaving the KOSPI flat. - Foreign investors sold a net 2.3 trillion won ($1.6 billion) of shares, extending their selling streak to a seventh straight session. - The split ran across the region: chip stocks lagged in Tokyo even as the Nikkei 225 rose 0.3 percent, and gold miners dragged on Chinese shares. Entity tags: Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, KOSPI, KOSDAQ, Korea Exchange, Nikkei 225, SK hynix, Samsung Electronics, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Advantest, Fast Retailing, SoftBank Group, Shandong Gold, Shinhan Securities, Kiwoom Securities, Kang Jin-hyuk, Han Ji-young 2026-09-17 16:00:53