Today's Economic and Entertainment Briefing — 2026-09-19

Today's Economic and Stock Market Issues

1. U.S. Fed Rate Hike and Global Market Reaction The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, marking its first hike in 3 years and 2 months. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh noted that "inflation is too high and has persisted for too long," signaling the possibility of further hikes. Immediately following the announcement, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped, recording its third consecutive week of declines, though some indicators showed stocks and bonds rebounding as the Fed's credibility was highlighted.

2. Sharp Drop in Korean Won and Foreign Exchange Trends Impacted by the U.S. rate hike, the value of the Korean won plunged 13.6 won in a single day, dropping into the 1,380-won range. The 1-year bank bond yield, which is linked to corporate and household loan interest rates, is approaching the 4% mark, compounding anxiety in the financial markets.

3. Kospi Foreign Net Selling and Bounded Trading Foreign investors have continued their net selling streak in the Kospi, while individual investors absorb the selling pressure. As a result, the stock market remains trapped in a trading range.

4. Historical Data Analysis of Stock Markets Post-Rate Hike According to Maeil Business Newspaper's analysis, during past rate hike cycles, the S&P 500 averaged a -4% return 6 weeks after a rate hike, but posted a +9% return a year later. However, concerns over the possibility of a further downturn coexist in the current market.

Political and Policy Trends

1. People Power Party Floor Strategy Meeting and Approval Rating Analysis People Power Party Floor Leader Jung Jeom-sik presided over a floor strategy meeting and pointed to "policy uncertainty" and the defection of progressive voters and voters in their 20s as the main reasons behind the recent drop in approval ratings. Realmeter analyzed that these factors worked in combination despite diplomatic moves.

2. Results of Gallup Korea's "2026 South Korea Trust Survey" In a survey released by Gallup Korea on the 17th (commissioned by SisaIN), President Lee ranked second in trust among political figures. The survey was conducted from the 6th to the 8th using random digit dialing for landlines and mobile phones.

3. Ministry of the Interior and Safety Pursuing 3rd Public Call for "Sunshine Income Villages" The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced plans to continue nationwide expansion through a 3rd public call for "Sunshine Income Villages" as part of its policy to expand renewable energy distribution. This was shared through a joint government ministry policy briefing.

Major Entertainment News

1. Park Jin-young Tipped for Crown Prince Role in Drama "Shinru" Actor Park Jin-young is reportedly in talks to take on the role of Crown Prince "Yi-hyang" in his next project, the Goryeo Dynasty-period drama "Shinru." The casting news has drawn significant attention after being reported by drama-focused media outlets.

2. Chinese Actress Li Xiaolu's New Dating Rumors Chinese actress Li Xiaolu has been swept up in fresh dating rumors with rapper Zhao Tao. Paparazzi photos have been released, creating a massive buzz online, though official stances from the parties involved have yet to be confirmed.