On 26 May 2026, three South Korean government ministries simultaneously announced major public-service reform initiatives in justice, trade, and environmental governance.
Ministry of Justice: Prosecutors Shift from Sword to Shield
The Ministry of Justice reported that South Korean prosecutors have significantly expanded their public-interest role. Over three years, overseas fugitive extraditions rose nearly fourfold. Annual criminal asset recovery averages KRW 100 billion (approx. USD 70 million). Korea achieved four consecutive ISDS victories, including the Coupang case. An integrated criminal victim support system launches in 2027, and victims’ right to information has been codified in law.
- Overseas fugitive extraditions: up approximately 4x over three years
- Criminal asset recovery: average KRW 100 billion per year
- ISDS wins: 4 consecutive victories
- Victim rights legally codified; integrated victim support system launches 2027
Ministry of Trade: Crowdsourcing Solutions to Overseas Technical Barriers
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced a public initiative to address overseas technical regulation barriers facing Korean exporters. Companies face growing compliance costs from EU Digital Products Regulations (ESPR), US FDA standard updates, and evolving charging-port requirements. The government will coordinate cross-ministerial and embassy networks to resolve barriers, prioritizing small and medium-sized exporters.
Korea Forest Service: AI Maps Biodiversity of Baekdu-daegan
The National Institute of Forest Science used nine machine-learning models to produce predictive distribution maps for 989 species across the Baekdu-daegan mountain range. Results were shared at a field seminar on 22 May 2026. The maps will guide conservation priority-setting, identify OECM sites, and support Korea’s digital forest ecosystem management framework.
Source: Ministry of Justice (korea.kr) | Ministry of Trade (korea.kr) | Korea Forest Service (korea.kr)