The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) in Korea launched the ‘Lifelong Friend Award’ to recognize public servants who deliver impactful policy outcomes. This initiative follows President Lee Jae-myung’s directive to provide exceptional rewards for outstanding civil service, leading to the creation of a special performance bonus system. The first round of awards targeted policies that citizens tangibly benefit from, aiming to foster a culture of achievement and innovation within the ministry. The selection process involved both external expert reviews and internal committee evaluations to ensure transparency and merit-based recognition.
A total of 23 officials across seven key policies were awarded, with bonuses ranging from KRW 400 million to KRW 1,200 million per policy, and individual rewards from KRW 500,000 to KRW 7.2 million. Recognized initiatives include the ‘Just Give’ welfare service model, suicide prevention short drama content, regional public healthcare strengthening, formalization of telemedicine, early disbursement of 28 welfare benefits, VAT exemption for social service vouchers, and expansion of nighttime childcare. These policies directly impact vulnerable groups, healthcare access, and family welfare, addressing urgent needs and improving quality of life.
The award process began with a staff call for policy achievements in February 2026, followed by expert and committee evaluations. Notable projects like the ‘Just Give’ pilot, launched in December 2025 with private funding, and the suicide prevention drama, released in December 2025, demonstrated rapid and measurable impact. Other reforms, such as the formalization of telemedicine after 15 years of pilot programs and the early welfare payments for Lunar New Year, were implemented in early 2026. The ministry plans to continue quarterly selections to sustain motivation and policy innovation.
Frequently asked questions include: Who benefits from these policies? Vulnerable citizens, families, and healthcare providers are the main beneficiaries. What are the main changes? Welfare application barriers are lowered, healthcare access is expanded, and support for daily life is strengthened. How are awards determined? Policies are evaluated for tangible impact and innovation, with bonuses distributed based on individual contributions. The Ministry aims to encourage ongoing improvements and ensure that public servants are rewarded for making real differences in citizens’ lives.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s recognition of impactful policies through structured awards is a significant step toward fostering innovation and accountability. By rewarding public servants for tangible outcomes, the Ministry encourages ongoing improvements in welfare and healthcare. The selected policies address urgent needs, such as lowering welfare barriers, expanding telemedicine, and improving childcare safety. This approach is likely to sustain motivation and drive further reforms, benefiting vulnerable citizens and the broader community.