Month: December 2025

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced its 2026 work plan, focusing on preparing for new infectious disease disasters, protecting the healthy daily lives of citizens, and proactively responding to future changes such as climate change.
In 2025, KDCA was recognized as having the world’s highest level of national health security capabilities by the WHO Joint External Evaluation and developed and commercialized the world’s first recombinant protein anthrax vaccine.
In 2026, KDCA plans to implement 10 key initiatives, including enhancing the infectious disease crisis response system, localizing infectious disease vaccines and treatments, and diversifying infectious disease diagnostic infrastructure.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 16th that the amendments to the Employment Insurance Act and the Employment and Industrial Accident Insurance Premium Collection Act were approved in the cabinet meeting.
The payment period for substitute workers for parental leave will be extended by up to one month, and the subsidy will be paid in full for the duration of the substitute worker’s employment.
Due to the increase in the minimum wage next year, the maximum amount of job-seeking benefits will rise to 68,100 won per day.

The South Korean government has projected a 2.5% economic growth rate for 2023.
This forecast is influenced by global economic uncertainties and a slowdown in domestic consumption.
The government plans to implement various economic policies to overcome these challenges.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced the expansion of the public transport fare refund support project (K-Pass).
The newly introduced ‘Everyone’s Card’ allows users to receive a full refund for public transport expenses exceeding the monthly refund threshold.
Using the existing K-Pass card for public transport will automatically apply the highest refund benefits.

The KDCA and Naver are offering a new service linking Q-CODE with Naver Pass.
Naver member information will be automatically synced, reducing the time needed for quarantine information input.
This service is expected to help prevent the influx of infectious diseases and streamline entry procedures.

The Ministry of Defense has appointed Jeong Bit-na as the new spokesperson effective December 15, 2025.
Jeong Bit-na joined Yonhap News in 2011 and has worked as a reporter, including as a correspondent in Brussels.
The Ministry expects Jeong to actively communicate with the public and contribute to restoring trust in the military.