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  • Sung Seung-min Makes History with Gold in Womens Modern Pentathlon at Asian Games
    Sung Seung-min Makes History with Gold in Women's Modern Pentathlon at Asian Games Sung Seung-min of South Korea has made history in women's modern pentathlon by winning gold at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held on September 20 at Anjo Sports Park in Japan. She scored a total of 1,492 points in fencing, obstacle course, swimming, and laser run, marking the first gold medal for the South Korean team in this event.This victory makes Sung the first South Korean woman to win the individual event in modern pentathlon at the Asian Games. Previously, the best results for South Korean women in this category were silver medals won by Yang Soo-jin in the 2014 Incheon Games, Kim Se-hee in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games, and Kim Sun-woo at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.Sung began her athletic career in swimming but transitioned to modern pentathlon after encouragement from her coach while attending Daegu Physical Education High School. Her rapid improvement led to her selection for the adult national team in 2021. The Korea Modern Pentathlon Federation aimed to nurture high school athletes with strengths in swimming or laser run for the adult team, and Sung was among those chosen.In May 2023, Sung earned her first international medal, a silver in the World Cup individual event. She was a medal contender at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games but faced challenges in the equestrian event, resulting in a missed podium finish in the individual competition, although she secured a bronze in the team event.Undeterred, Sung continued to excel, finishing as runner-up twice in the 2024 World Cup and becoming the first South Korean woman to win gold in the individual event at the World Championships in Zhengzhou, China, in June 2024. She also achieved a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first Asian woman to medal in modern pentathlon at the Olympics.Following the Paris Olympics, modern pentathlon will undergo significant changes, with equestrian being removed and obstacle course events added. Despite these changes, Sung's momentum has not slowed. She won a silver medal at the World Cup in Bulgaria in May 2025, becoming the first South Korean athlete to reach the podium in a senior international competition after the format change, and followed that with a runner-up finish in the World Cup Final.In November 2025, she continued her success by winning the individual event at the Asian Championships in Anjo, Japan, and collaborated with Seo Chang-wan to win gold in the mixed relay at the World Championships in Guiyang, China last month.Leading up to this competition, Sung was considered the top gold medal contender. Despite the pressure, she performed exceptionally well, finishing first in fencing with 250 points, fourth in the obstacle course with a time of 29.26 seconds, and seventh in swimming with a time of 1:01.14. With a total of 903 points from these three events, she started the final laser run in the lead, hitting all five shots in her first round and maintaining a 30-40 second lead over the second place to cross the finish line first.Sung also contributed to the South Korean team’s silver medal in the team event, where the combined scores of the top three individual competitors were tallied. Sung, along with Kim Eun-joo and Shin Soo-min, helped secure second place behind China.After the competition, Sung expressed her joy, stating, "I was also the first in Paris Olympics, and I am really happy to receive this title again. I will not rest on my laurels and will work harder as an athlete. It is very meaningful to win the first gold medal for the South Korean team. I hope our athletes will achieve good results in future competitions." 2026-09-20 14:40:00
  • Trust is Essential for Effective Real Estate Policy
    Trust is Essential for Effective Real Estate Policy Predictability is crucial in real estate policy more than in any other area. Real estate constitutes a significant portion of national assets, and decisions regarding buying or holding property can impact household finances for years, even decades. This is why the market reacts sensitively whenever the government alters a real estate regulation.Recently, the government's real estate policies have been adjusted repeatedly just months after their implementation or announcement. On September 17, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport extended the deadline for applications to waive the actual residence requirement for rental housing in designated land transaction permission zones from the end of this year to the end of next year. This adjustment also includes not only current rental contracts but also renewal contracts. This change comes about four months after the government expanded the actual residence waiver system in May. Earlier, in early August, the government announced a tax reform plan that would reduce the basic exemption for the comprehensive real estate tax for non-resident homeowners from 1.2 billion won to 900 million won, but just 29 days later, on September 1, it reverted the exemption back to 1.2 billion won.It is not inherently problematic to modify policies. If unforeseen side effects arise after implementing a system, it is the government's responsibility to correct them. It is better to quickly address issues than to cling to policies that are disconnected from reality due to concerns about appearances. If market conditions change, policies may also need to change to some extent.However, the issue lies in the frequency and speed of these adjustments. When regulations related to real estate taxes and transaction restrictions are changed just months after their announcement, market participants find it difficult to trust and act on government policies. When altering tax regulations, it is essential to consider how these changes will affect transaction restrictions and the rental market. Strengthening actual residence requirements should also take into account the potential issues for existing tenants and landlords. Adjusting policies only after problems arise in the field does not reflect a well-crafted approach.Real estate policy should not be decided in isolation. The land transaction permission system, actual residence requirements, capital gains tax, comprehensive real estate tax, and rental systems are interconnected. If one side implements policies to increase supply while the other imposes restrictions on transactions, the effects of these policies may conflict. This is why the quality of policies is more important than their speed, and thorough checks should take precedence over announcements.In fact, there are growing concerns in the market that the predictability of real estate policies may decline. Experts also emphasize the need to thoroughly review the effects and side effects before implementing policies. Above all, there is a warning against the practice of 'implementing first and fixing problems later' becoming the norm. Decisions about whether to buy or sell a home, renew a rental contract, or gift property to children are made based on government policies. If the perception spreads that tax or regulatory standards 'may change in a few months,' citizens will wait for the next policy change rather than making decisions based on current policies. This could lead to delayed transactions and increased market uncertainty.The dynamics of the real estate market are influenced not only by the intensity of regulations but also by trust in government policies. Households and businesses need to believe that the standards announced today will remain stable for a considerable period to make long-term decisions. The success of real estate policy depends not on the quantity of policies introduced but on how precisely they are designed and consistently implemented. Sufficient consultation and simulation are necessary, and tax, loan, and transaction regulations should be examined as a cohesive system. While adjustments to fit market conditions are necessary, what is even more critical is thorough prior review. Policies directly related to citizens' assets must prioritize fundamentals, principles, and predictability. 2026-09-20 14:24:20
  • Anthropic Faces Uncertainty Ahead of IPO Amid Rapid Growth Questions
    Anthropic Faces Uncertainty Ahead of IPO Amid Rapid Growth Questions U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic is confronting market skepticism regarding the sustainability of its rapid growth as it approaches its initial public offering (IPO).The Financial Times reported on September 19 that intensified competition with OpenAI, the proliferation of cost-effective models, and concerns over AI safety are testing Anthropic's growth potential.As of July, Anthropic's annualized revenue had reached $65 billion, with projections suggesting it could exceed $120 billion (approximately 166 trillion won) by the end of the year.However, uncertainty about the future has led to divergent investor outlooks on the company's post-IPO valuation. According to the FT, estimates for Anthropic's market value after going public range widely from $1.5 trillion to $4 trillion (about 5,560 trillion won). Currently, Anthropic is valued at approximately $965 billion.Competition in the market is becoming increasingly fierce. Notably, its primary rival, OpenAI, is rapidly expanding its influence. According to the AI model platform OpenRouter, user spending on OpenAI models surpassed that of Anthropic in the second week of September, marking the first time in about two years and seven months since February 2024.The aggressive push from Chinese AI companies, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, also poses a challenge. Firms like DeepSeek and Moonshot have launched open-weight models, putting pressure on Anthropic and OpenAI's closed models in terms of pricing. This raises the likelihood that price-sensitive customers may switch to cheaper alternatives. Open-weight models allow users to download and modify the core parameters of AI models for their specific needs.Concerns surrounding AI safety are also a significant factor. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, has called for the AI industry to slow down the development of cutting-edge AI systems to ensure safety. The FT noted that while slowing AI development could reduce the substantial costs of training AI models, it could also provide Chinese competitors with the opportunity to close the technological gap.Amid these challenges, Anthropic, which was initially expected to launch its IPO in October, has reportedly pushed the target date to November, according to a Wall Street Journal report on September 18. There is also speculation that the timing of the IPO could change again.Delaying the IPO to November may allow Anthropic to present strong Q3 performance to investors. Additionally, as scrutiny from shareholders and the market increases post-IPO, the company may be seeking time to clarify its stance on AI safety. 2026-09-20 14:24:20
  • AI Development Speed Regulation Sparks Antitrust Lawsuit
    AI Development Speed Regulation Sparks Antitrust Lawsuit On September 12, Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, suggested that the pace of AI development should be regulated. Less than ten days later, his statement led to an antitrust lawsuit after Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Demis Hassabis expressed their agreement. A consumer group in the U.S. has accused them of collusion.The lawsuit's premise is straightforward. Each company has the freedom and obligation to set its own safety standards and development speed. However, once competitors share these decisions, it constitutes collusion, which is prohibited under Section 1 of the Sherman Act.This case is intriguing because it differs from typical collusion cases. In standard collusion, such as price-fixing or production limits, the harm to consumer welfare is clear. In this instance, however, the argument is cloaked in the guise of 'safety.' While there are valid points in their claim that slowing AI development could benefit humanity, it is crucial to note that this adjustment was made through an agreement among market-dominant players.Antitrust law focuses not on the goodwill of the outcome but on the existence of an agreement itself. Regardless of how plausible the justification may be, if competitors decide to align their industry’s pace, it distorts the market, which is the core of the plaintiffs' argument.In court, the challenge will likely hinge on 'evidence' rather than justification. Section 1 of the Sherman Act regulates 'agreements' between competitors, not merely similar conclusions or conscious actions that lead to similar behavior.U.S. courts have long held that mere circumstantial evidence of competitors moving in tandem after public statements is insufficient to prove collusion. They require substantial evidence of actual exchanges or interdependence. Therefore, whether Amodei's statement and the subsequent agreement from other CEOs are seen as a result of prior coordination or coincidental independent judgment will be the key issue in this lawsuit.Beyond the legal implications, it is essential to consider the current situation. The fact that a handful of CEOs from dominant companies can dictate the pace of an entire industry based on a few public statements and subsequent agreements starkly symbolizes the 'supercorporation era,' where companies create their own global order. Moreover, the public's acceptance of this without significant resistance could lead to a more troubling future.Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, have drawn lines in the sand, with former President Donald Trump criticizing the agreement as one that would 'only benefit China,' marking the beginning of opposition to their consensus. Without external checks, the agreement among a few dominant players could have become the industry's rules without any scrutiny. It is crucial to note that consumers, regulatory authorities, and even competing companies had no opportunity to voice their concerns regarding this decision.Regulations, including antitrust laws, were originally established to monitor and control the power of a few dominant players in the market. Just as trust regulations emerged in the late 19th century when expectations of self-regulation failed, regulations are born from the need for external oversight.However, we should not naively accept the situation where the companies that should be monitored declare, 'We will regulate our own pace,' as a model of self-regulation. When those who should be under scrutiny position themselves as the overseers, the standards will inevitably be designed to serve their interests rather than the market or public good.Regardless of whether this lawsuit proves collusion, a precedent must not be set where voluntary agreements among dominant companies become the starting point for regulation. Regulations should not be created by them but established externally to hold them accountable. What is needed now is not blind faith in the goodwill of CEOs but an external perspective capable of verifying that goodwill.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 14:24:00
  • Beyond Medal Counts: Key Insights from the Nagoya Asian Games
    Beyond Medal Counts: Key Insights from the Nagoya Asian Games From September 21, the competition schedule will be packed. The women's football match between North and South Korea and the baseball game against Taiwan will take place on the same day, alongside swimmers Hwang Sun-woo and Kim Woo-min. Following them will be Song Se-ra, Oh Sang-wook, and Shin Yu-bin, with Woo Sang-hyeok competing in the high jump finals on the 27th.The South Korean team aims to secure 40 to 45 gold medals and finish third overall. They are striving for a third consecutive third-place finish after the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang and 2022 Hangzhou games. Closing the gap with Japan is also a priority, as Japan won 52 gold medals in Hangzhou without fielding some of their top athletes, compared to South Korea's 42.A 10-gold medal difference is significant, especially with Japan hosting the event this time. The interest lies not only in South Korea maintaining its third-place position but also in how competitively they can challenge Japan. This competition will also reveal how the dynamics between China and Japan have shifted.The medal count is the most immediate outcome to observe, indicating which sports have improved and where South Korea has fallen behind. This sensitivity to gold medal totals and overall rankings is a recurring theme at the Asian Games.However, there is another aspect to consider: the Los Angeles (LA) Olympics in two years.Hwang Sun-woo and Kim Woo-min are already competing on the world stage. Oh Sang-wook is a two-time champion from the Paris Olympics, and Song Se-ra won the individual event at the World Championships in July. Woo Sang-hyeok has consistently faced off against the world's best athletes, yet he has yet to win an Asian Games gold medal.For these athletes, this event is more than just another international competition; it is an opportunity to assess their current performance and prepare for the future. This is also crucial for lesser-known athletes, as those who demonstrate competitiveness here could become key members of the LA Olympic team.Thus, it would be a missed opportunity to focus solely on the gold medal count. It is essential to examine whether swimming, fencing, and archery remain strong, and how much progress has been made in previously weaker sports. In sports undergoing generational changes, it is important to identify emerging talents. The concentration of medals among a few star athletes and the emergence of new competitors across various sports will serve as indicators of the current state of South Korean sports.From September 21, major South Korean athletes will compete almost daily for a week. Both victories and records will be significant. Observing how much they can improve their personal bests, the gap between them and the world's elite, and the number of unfamiliar names that appear will be key points of interest.The medals earned in Nagoya will soon be reflected in the tally. However, the names we will see again in two years at the LA Olympics remain unknown. It will be intriguing to see how many of those names we can identify from this Asian Games. 2026-09-20 14:08:00
  • Rising Won-Dollar Exchange Rate Amid U.S. and Japan Rate Hikes
    Rising Won-Dollar Exchange Rate Amid U.S. and Japan Rate Hikes The exchange rate between the South Korean won and the U.S. dollar continues to rise, increasing volatility in the foreign exchange market due to policy changes by the U.S. and Japanese monetary authorities. Following the Federal Reserve's decision to raise its benchmark interest rate for the first time in over three years, the yen has weakened further, pushing the won-dollar exchange rate in the Seoul foreign exchange market close to the 1380 won mark.On September 20, the won-dollar exchange rate closed at 1383.3 won, up 1.1 won from the previous day, marking a seven-day consecutive increase. This figure represents a rise of more than 47 won since it recorded 1336.1 won on September 9. During trading, the rate peaked at 1387.1 won.The primary factors behind the rising exchange rate include the Fed's shift in monetary policy and rising international oil prices due to geopolitical risks. The Fed raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 3.75% to 4.00% during its Federal Open Market Committee meeting. Concerns over delays in achieving inflation targets have prompted the Fed to resume monetary tightening, suggesting the possibility of further rate hikes this year, which has heightened market fears of prolonged high interest rates. This has led to increased selling pressure on the won due to concerns over capital outflows resulting from the widening interest rate gap between South Korea and the U.S.Additionally, rising energy prices, with international oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel amid instability in the Middle East, have negatively impacted South Korea's trade conditions, which heavily relies on oil imports, further intensifying downward pressure on the won.The impact of Japan's monetary policy is also linked to these developments. The Bank of Japan raised its short-term policy interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 1.25%, but market assessments suggest that a loose financial environment will persist, leading to an increase in the dollar-yen exchange rate. The yen's weakness has contributed to the rise in the won-dollar exchange rate based on its correlation with other East Asian currencies.As the won-dollar exchange rate rises, increasing domestic economic burdens such as rising import prices have prompted foreign exchange authorities to formulate responses. The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Bank of Korea view the imbalance in foreign exchange supply and demand as a major cause of increased exchange rate volatility and are prioritizing measures to stabilize supply and demand.Authorities are reviewing and considering extending the limits and maturities of currency swap agreements with major pension funds and public institutions to secure liquidity in the foreign exchange market. This aims to disperse the concentrated demand for dollars in the foreign exchange market and manage market liquidity.Simultaneously, they are exploring financial and tax incentives to ensure that major exporting companies, such as shipbuilders, can smoothly supply their dollar-denominated sales to the market. The goal is to encourage companies to sell their held dollars to expand supply in the market.Foreign exchange authorities are maintaining a readiness to intervene through verbal interventions and, if necessary, through smoothing operations to address market imbalances or speculative trading. They have activated a system to monitor the trends of won transactions in the offshore market and the inflow and outflow of foreign investment funds 24/7, planning to respond immediately to any signs of abnormality.Market opinions are divided on the outlook for the exchange rate, with some suggesting that the upper limit could reach the low 1400s by year-end, while others believe further increases will be limited. Some analysts predict that the Fed's sustained high interest rate policy and high oil prices will continue to exert upward pressure on the dollar. Ongoing overseas investment demand from domestic investors is also seen as a factor that could restrict the won's value. Conversely, expectations that strong export performance in the semiconductor sector and a large current account surplus will limit the upper range of the exchange rate have also been raised. 2026-09-20 14:08:00
  • Financial Authorities Warn of Voice Phishing Ahead of Chuseok Holiday
    Financial Authorities Warn of Voice Phishing Ahead of Chuseok Holiday 추석 명절을 앞두고 택배·선물 배송과 해외여행 등 명절 특수를 노린 보이스피싱에 대한 주의가 요구된다. 금융위원회와 금융감독원은 20일 추석 연휴를 전후해 발생할 수 있는 보이스피싱 유형과 대응 요령을 안내했다. 택배 배송과 명절 선물, 해외여행 등이 늘어나는 시기에 관련 금융사기가 증가할 수 있다는 판단에서다. 가장 주의해야 할 유형은 택배나 선물 배송을 사칭한 스미싱이다. 사기범들은 ‘택배 주소지가 잘못됐다’거나 ‘배송이 불가능하다’, ‘과태료·범칙금을 내지 않았다’는 내용의 문자를 보내고 불분명한 URL을 첨부해 악성 앱 설치를 유도한다. URL을 클릭해 악성 앱이 설치되면 개인정보와 금융정보가 빠져나갈 수 있다. 특히 피해자가 이상 징후를 알아차리고 경찰이나 금감원 등에 전화를 걸더라도 악성 앱을 통해 사기범에게 연결될 수 있다. 배송이나 과태료 등의 사실관계를 확인할 때는 문자에 포함된 링크 대신 해당 기관의 공식 홈페이지나 앱, 대표전화 등을 이용해야 한다. 해외여행 후 남은 외화를 온라인에서 개인 간 거래하는 과정에서도 보이스피싱에 연루될 수 있다. 사기범이 시세보다 높은 환율이나 웃돈을 제시한 뒤 외화 판매자의 계좌로 보이스피싱 피해금을 입금하는 방식이다. 배우자나 지인 등을 사칭해 제3자 명의로 거래대금을 보내는 경우도 있다. 이 경우 판매자의 계좌가 사기이용계좌로 지정돼 지급정지되거나 전자금융거래가 제한될 수 있다. 금융당국은 여행 후 남은 외화를 거래할 때는 개인 간 거래보다 금융회사를 이용하는 것이 안전하다고 설명했다. 최근 발생한 개인정보 유출 사고를 빌미로 접근하는 보이스피싱도 경계해야 한다. 사기범들은 유출된 개인정보를 이용해 ‘개인정보 유출로 대포통장이 만들어졌다’거나 ‘명의도용 범죄에 연루됐다’고 겁을 주거나, ‘개인정보 유출 보상금을 지급하겠다’며 접근한다. 명의도용에 따른 추가 피해가 우려된다면 금융거래 안심차단서비스를 활용할 수 있다. 서비스를 신청하면 본인도 모르게 신용대출이나 카드론이 실행되거나 비대면 계좌가 개설되는 것을 막을 수 있다. 오픈뱅킹을 통한 무단 계좌 조회와 이체도 차단할 수 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 14:04:00
  • Delinquency Rates for Low-Credit Self-Employed Surge Fivefold in Five Years
    Delinquency Rates for Low-Credit Self-Employed Surge Fivefold in Five Years As high interest rates continue to rise, delinquency rates among low-credit self-employed individuals are sharply increasing. This trend is exacerbated by recent interest rate hikes from major economies like the United States and Japan, raising concerns about the long-term impact of sustained high rates. Analysts warn that increased repayment burdens on vulnerable borrowers could lead to greater challenges for banks in maintaining financial stability.According to financial sector data released on September 20, the delinquency rate for personal business loans among the five largest banks in South Korea (KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup) has surged. For credit grade 7, the delinquency rate rose from 1.68% at the end of 2021 to 6.58% by the end of August this year, while for grade 9, it jumped from 4.56% to 23.58%. This represents increases of 3.9 times and 5.2 times, respectively, over four years and eight months. The delinquency rate for the lowest grade, grade 10, has reached 44.64%.This data reflects the average delinquency rates for personal business loans categorized by credit grades, as compiled by each bank in accordance with the Financial Supervisory Service's standard 10-grade system.With domestic economic conditions struggling, many self-employed borrowers who have relied on loans to cover living expenses and business operating costs are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their monthly repayment obligations. This has led to a vicious cycle where their credit ratings decline, making it harder to secure additional loans.Delinquency pressures are also evident in household loans. According to data submitted by the Korea Housing Finance Corporation to Park Seong-hoon, a member of the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee, the amount of delinquent loans under the government-backed mortgage program reached 548.9 billion won by the end of July, a fivefold increase from 110.4 billion won at the end of 2021. During the same period, the overall delinquency rate for this mortgage program rose from 0.13% to 0.47%. Notably, borrowers with annual incomes below 10 million won had a delinquency rate of 1.01%, more than double the overall average.The situation is concerning as the repayment burdens on vulnerable borrowers continue to accumulate while major economies like the U.S. and Japan are raising their benchmark interest rates. On September 16, the U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points, from 3.50-3.75% to 3.75-4.00%. Similarly, the Bank of Japan increased its rate from 1.0% to 1.25% on September 18. As these countries maintain a tightening stance, there are concerns that global interest rates may remain elevated.While increases in major countries' interest rates do not immediately lead to hikes in South Korea's benchmark rate, prolonged high rates abroad could influence domestic market rates through global bond yields and foreign exchange market volatility. Analysts suggest that the Bank of Korea may find it challenging to lower its benchmark rate quickly due to domestic economic conditions.If domestic market interest rates remain high, banks may face increased funding costs and upward pressure on new loan rates. This could further exacerbate the interest burdens on already vulnerable borrowers, leading to additional delinquencies.As delinquency rates rise, banks will also face greater challenges in managing their financial stability. An increase in new delinquencies will lead to higher provisions for bad debts and costs associated with managing non-performing loans. Even if banks write off or sell delinquent loans, ongoing new delinquencies may limit improvements in overall delinquency rates.A financial sector official stated, "As major economies like the U.S. and Japan continue to raise their benchmark interest rates, concerns are growing over rising global market interest rates and increased volatility in financial markets. If the high interest rate trend persists, borrowers' repayment burdens will intensify, particularly among vulnerable borrowers, which could lead to increased delinquency and further strain on banks' financial stability." 2026-09-20 14:04:00
  • President Lee Faces Backlash Over Appointments and Social Media Controversy
    President Lee Faces Backlash Over Appointments and Social Media Controversy 이재명 대통령이 국정 쇄신을 선언한 기자회견 직후 후속 인사와 SNS를 둘러싼 후폭풍에 직면했다. 김승원 법무부 장관 후보자가 자진 사퇴한 데 이어 대통령이 인용한 지지자의 글도 논란 끝에 삭제됐다. 김용범 전 정책실장의 후임 인선과 김지용 초대 중대범죄수사청장 후보자 검증까지 지연되면서 쇄신 선언을 실제 변화로 증명해야 할 부담이 더 커질 전망이다. 20일 정치권에 따르면 다음 주에 김지용 후보자에 대한 임명 재가 등이 예정돼 있다. 청와대가 김지용 후보자에 대한 추가 검증을 진행 중인 가운데 기자회견에서 밝힌 인사시스템 재점검과 지지층 통합 구상이 실제 국정 운영에 반영되는 첫 시험대가 될 것으로 보인다. 이 대통령은 지난 18일 기자회견에서 최근 지지율 하락과 국정 운영을 둘러싼 우려에 대해 “언제나 국민은 옳다. 모두 저의 부족함 때문”이라고 말했다. 인사 문제와 관련해서는 “차제에 인사시스템도 재점검하겠다”고 밝혔다. 기자회견 이후 가장 먼저 정리된 현안은 김승원 법무부 장관 후보자 거취였다. 김 후보자는 19일 “대통령 기자회견을 보며 결심을 굳혔다”며 후보자직에서 물러났다. 지난달 30일 지명된 지 20일 만이다. 김 후보자는 “국민 눈높이에 미치지 못했음을 무겁게 받아들인다”고 밝혔다. 청와대는 김 후보자의 결정을 존중한다며 곧바로 사의를 수용했다. 김 후보자 거취를 둘러싼 논란이 자진 사퇴로 일단락됐지만 인사검증 문제는 남게 됐다. 이진숙 교육부·강선우 여성가족부·이혜훈 기획예산처·용혜인 성평등부 장관 후보자에 이어 김승원 후보자까지 현 정부 들어 장관 후보자 5명이 임명에 이르지 못했기 때문이다. 후속 인사도 적체돼 있다. 경제·부동산 정책 등을 총괄했던 김용범 전 정책실장이 지난 1일 사퇴한 뒤 후임 인선은 3주 가까이 이뤄지지 않고 있다. 김승원 후보자의 낙마로 법무부 장관 인선 역시 원점에서 다시 시작해야 한다. 초대 중수청장 인선도 결론을 내리지 못한 상태다. 윤호중 행정안전부 장관은 지난 7일 김지용 후보자를 초대 중수청장 후보자로 제청했지만 대통령실은 국회에 인사청문 요청안을 보내지 않았다. 검사장 출신인 김 후보자의 이력과 검찰개혁에 대한 과거 입장 등을 두고 여권과 지지층 일부에서 반발이 제기되자, 이 대통령이 추가 검증을 지시한 것으로 알려졌다. 김 후보자 인선은 10월 초로 예정된 형사사법 체계 개편 준비와도 맞물려 있다. 중수청의 초기 조직 구성과 운영 체계를 마련하려면 후보자 지명과 국회 인사청문 절차를 진행해야 한다. 다만 추가 검증 과정에서 새로운 문제가 확인되거나 지명이 철회될 경우 또다시 인사검증 책임론이 불거질 수 있다. 특히 SNS 인용 글 삭제 소동은 이 대통령이 기자회견에서 강조한 지지층 통합 문제와 연결됐다. 이 대통령은 기자회견을 마친 뒤 자신의 개혁 성과를 정리한 지지자의 글을 인용하며 “감사하다. 위로가 많이 된다”고 적었다. 그러나 해당 글 작성자가 과거 다른 여권 인사와 지지자들을 향해 ‘문조털래유(문재인·조국·김어준·정청래·유시민)’ 등의 멸칭을 사용한 사실이 알려지면서 이 대통령은 게시물을 삭제했다. 이후 이 대통령은 ‘대통령의 친구’라는 제목의 글을 통해 “글을 인용했다고 작성자의 모든 주장에 동조하는 것은 아니다”며 “혐오와 비아냥, 감정적 비난은 버려달라”고 밝혔다. 기자회견에서 “우리는 모두 친문이고 친노이며 친김대중이며, 이재명의 동지들”이라고 말한 직후 벌어진 소동이라는 점에서 대통령의 SNS 활용과 메시지 관리 방식도 다시 비판의 도마 위에 올랐다. 야권 관계자는 “기자회견에서 강조한 ‘말이 아닌 결과로 증명하겠다’는 약속도 후속 인사와 메시지 관리에서부터 평가받게 됐다”며 “법무부 장관과 정책실장 후임을 어떤 기준으로 선정할지, 김지용 후보자에 대한 추가 검증을 어떻게 마무리할지가 관건이 될 것”이라고 말했다. 2026-09-20 14:00:20
  • Ban Hyo-jin Advances to Finals in Womens 10m Air Rifle at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games
    Ban Hyo-jin Advances to Finals in Women's 10m Air Rifle at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Ban Hyo-jin, aiming for a shooting 'Grand Slam,' has advanced to the finals of the women's 10m air rifle event at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Kwon Yu-na also secured a spot in the finals as she pursues a medal.On September 20, at the Toyota Comprehensive Shooting Range in Aichi, Japan, Ban scored 634.9 points in the women's 10m air rifle team finals and individual qualifiers, finishing second overall behind China's Wang Zhiping, who scored 636.8 points.Kwon Yu-na placed eighth with a score of 633.3, qualifying for the finals where the top eight competitors will compete. Jo Eun-byul, who also participated, finished 19th and did not advance.Born on September 20, 2007, Ban Hyo-jin celebrates her 19th birthday today while pursuing a 'Grand Slam' by winning gold medals at the Olympics, World Championships, and Asian Games.Ban previously won gold in the women's 10m air rifle individual event at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2025 International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Championships.The individual finals are set to begin at 2:30 PM today.Meanwhile, in the 10m air rifle team event, the South Korean team finished fourth, trailing Japan by 1.3 points.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-20 13:56:00