[2026-05-21] Korea promulgates Disability Rights Act, expands single-parent child support, and launches KRW 340 billion R&D commercialization fund

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Overview

On May 20, 2026, South Korea’s 22nd Cabinet Meeting — convened to mark the first anniversary of the Lee Jae-myung administration — promulgated the Disability Rights Guarantee Act, amended the Small Business Protection Act, and approved a plan to provide KRW 340 billion in financing for SME R&D commercialization. On the same day, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced the elimination of the income eligibility cap for the advance child-support payment scheme for single-parent households.

Key Policy Changes

  • Disability Rights Guarantee Act promulgated: The Ministry of Health and Welfare must formulate a comprehensive disability policy plan every five years. The Disability Policy Coordination Committee is renamed the Disability Policy Committee. Annual implementation plans are now mandatory for all central agencies and provincial governments.
  • Single-parent child support reform: The income ceiling (150% of median income) for the advance payment scheme is abolished from October 2026, enabling faster support without income or asset review. As of April 2026, 6,646 households (10,499 children) already receive support. An estimated additional 8,000 households will benefit.
  • R&D commercialization financing (KRW 340 billion): The SME Technology Innovation Promotion Act was amended to create KRW 260 billion in commercialization guarantees and KRW 80 billion in securitization guarantees, targeting SMEs commercializing national R&D outputs or technologies transferred from public research institutions.
  • Digital sex crime response upgraded: AI-based 24-hour automatic detection systems deployed; the Integrated Digital Sex Crime Victim Support Unit launched. Budget increased 67.5% year-on-year to KRW 7.62 billion in 2026.
  • Small business closure support expanded: The revised Small Business Protection Act adds shop demolition support, management and legal consulting for businesses that close, and establishes an integrated online information platform.

Sources

Source: https://www.korea.kr/briefing/stateCouncilView.do?newsId=148964795&call_from=rsslink

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