On February 3, South Korea’s President chaired the 4th State Council meeting, focusing on significant legislative and regulatory reforms. The Council reviewed and approved 18 legal promulgations and 10 presidential decrees, addressing urgent national priorities. Discussions included improvements to the life-sustaining medical decision system, measures for multi-homeowner capital gains tax, and enhanced protection of personal data in the public sector. Notably, 14 of these legal items are directly related to the Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s national agenda, aiming to foster fair business practices, strengthen cultural industries, and support technological innovation.
The approved reforms impact a wide range of stakeholders, including businesses, cultural content creators, semiconductor industry participants, disaster victims, and families. For example, the amended Copyright Act targets illegal online content distribution and strengthens enforcement against copyright infringement. The Special Act for Semiconductor Industry Competitiveness establishes new government bodies to support innovation and infrastructure. Child protection measures now include stricter penalties for non-compliance with mandated counseling and education, while disaster response laws enhance victim support and compensation timelines.
Implementation of these policies varies by sector. The revised child protection decree will take effect on February 12, 2025, introducing fines up to KRW 1 million for violations. The semiconductor support law creates a special committee under the President and a growth support team within the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, with immediate infrastructure funding. The Copyright Act amendments enable rapid blocking of illegal sites and reinforce civil and criminal remedies. Other changes, such as the increase in passport issuance fees, address long-standing fiscal imbalances and will be enacted following official promulgation.
Frequently asked questions include: What are the main objectives of the new disaster victim support law? The law aims to prevent secondary harm, streamline compensation, and extend the statute of limitations for claims to five years. How will the copyright reforms affect online content creators? The reforms provide stronger legal tools to combat piracy and protect original works, especially against overseas-based illegal sites. What penalties apply for non-compliance with child protection orders? Individuals failing to comply may face fines up to KRW 1 million, effective from February 12, 2025.
Metaqsol opinion: The State Council’s approval of these legislative reforms signals a proactive stance by South Korea in addressing pressing issues such as digital copyright infringement, semiconductor industry competitiveness, and child protection. By establishing new government bodies and strengthening enforcement mechanisms, the administration is positioning the country for sustainable growth and improved social welfare. The clear timelines and targeted penalties indicate a commitment to effective implementation and accountability. Overall, these measures are expected to benefit both industry participants and vulnerable groups, aligning with national strategic priorities.