In 2023, foreign favorability toward Korea reached a record 82.3% since the 2018 survey began.
A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism survey of 13,000 people in 26 countries found K-content had the greatest positive impact.
Middle Eastern and African nations showed especially high favorability, with positive trends also seen in Japan and China.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development released the 2023 Startup Survey results.
In 2023, there were 4.902 million startups, accounting for 59.1% of all SMEs, with 979,000 tech-based startups making up 20%.
Startups led by young entrepreneurs grew by 2.2%, and the government plans to increase the startup support budget to KRW 3.5 trillion by 2026.
President Lee Jae-myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a summit on the 19th, emphasizing expanded cooperation in science, aerospace, and defense industries.
The two countries signed an MOU on semiconductor cooperation and have developed a strategic partnership in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
Both leaders agreed to jointly address global challenges like climate crisis and to further strengthen future-oriented collaboration.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced the 4th Aquatic Animal Disease Control Plan for 2026–2030.
Key measures include full-scale operation of the WOAH Collaborating Centre, AI-based disease prediction, and a blockchain quarantine system.
The plan aims to strengthen climate change response, train experts, and promote autonomous biosecurity to protect the industry and public health.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced a draft amendment to the Child Welfare Act enforcement decree and rules, open for public comment from February 16.
The revision allows foster caregivers to act as temporary guardians and expands legal counseling support by the National Center for the Rights of the Child.
These changes aim to prevent protection gaps before official guardians are appointed and enhance support for children with disabilities.
Starting in 2025, the government will expand R&D tax credits for future high-tech industries and introduce tax reductions for companies investing and creating jobs in crisis regions.
Tax incentives for capital market activation, venture investment, local business relocation, and small business support will be strengthened.
The revised tax enforcement ordinances are set to take effect in July, with increased support for low- and middle-income households and families with multiple children.