On February 10, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung presided over South Korea’s 5th Cabinet meeting, focusing on strengthening democratic capacity and advancing reforms. The President highlighted the importance of autonomy and democracy in driving national competitiveness. He stressed the need for citizens to distinguish truth from falsehood, particularly to safeguard democratic processes. Addressing misinformation and ensuring accountability were underscored as vital for maintaining and developing democratic strength.
The meeting resulted in the approval of 40 legal promulgations, 38 presidential decrees, 4 general items, and 1 reporting item, all passed in their original form. Key reforms include amendments to the National Health Insurance Act to reduce medical expenses by introducing ‘managed benefits’ for select non-covered items. The Student Loan Repayment Act was revised to ease income criteria and extend interest exemption periods, directly benefiting young people. Disability Employment Act amendments will gradually increase mandatory employment rates in private companies, and eight laws—including the National Merit Act—will designate quasi-hospitals for national merit recipients.
Implementation of these reforms is immediate, following Cabinet approval. The legislative changes aim to address pressing social issues such as healthcare affordability, youth financial burdens, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The government will monitor the impact of these measures and ensure swift processing of related cases, including those concerning false information in the National Assembly. The President called for prompt handling of perjury cases to preserve democratic integrity.
Frequently asked questions include: What are the main benefits of the healthcare reform? The reform introduces managed benefits for certain non-covered items, reducing medical costs for citizens. How does the youth loan relief work? The revised Student Loan Repayment Act eases income requirements and extends interest exemption periods, helping young borrowers. What changes are made for disability employment? Private companies will face higher mandatory disability employment quotas, supporting job opportunities and independence for disabled individuals.
The Cabinet’s approval of these reforms demonstrates decisive action on healthcare affordability, youth financial relief, and disability employment. President Lee Jae-myung’s emphasis on democratic capacity and accountability aligns with the government’s broader goals of social equity and transparency. Immediate implementation ensures that benefits reach affected groups quickly, while ongoing monitoring and prompt handling of related cases will be essential for lasting impact. These measures are well-targeted to address current social challenges in South Korea.