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The Multifunctional Administrative City Construction Agency has launched a design contest for the Presidential Sejong Office.
The office will cover 40,000㎡ and include the presidential residence, crisis management center, and communication facilities.
The final winner will be selected at the end of April, with public participation voting influencing the design selection.

Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol attended the critical minerals finance ministers meeting in Washington D.C. on June 12.
G7, Australia, India, Mexico, and EC participants expressed a shared commitment to overcoming supply chain vulnerabilities.
The U.S. emphasized derisking and investment, while Korea highlighted its refining capabilities and the need for resource recycling cooperation.

The Ministry of Education and Korean National Commission for UNESCO are recruiting participants for the 2026 UNESCO Youth Expert Internship Program (U-STEP) until February 1.
This year, the number of selected interns increases to 10, with placements at UNESCO headquarters in Paris and the Bangkok office for six months.
Eligible applicants are aged 19 to 34, and final candidates will undergo pre-training in March-April before starting their internships from June to December.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety urges consumers to check the ‘Olbaro’ website to prevent harm from overseas direct purchase foods containing hazardous ingredients.
Since its launch in 2021, the website has seen usage rise to 890,000 users in 2025, reflecting growing demand for safety information.
MFDS is strengthening consumer protection through online promotion, web app development, and regulatory amendments.

On June 13, the amended Enforcement Decree of the Senior Welfare Act was approved, strengthening criteria and procedures for designating age-friendly cities.
The designation is valid for five years, and local governments must submit documents on organizational structure and project performance to the Minister of Health and Welfare.
Annual implementation is monitored, and designations can be revoked for fraudulent applications or failure to carry out plans.

President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met for a summit in Nara, Japan, on January 13, 2026.
Both leaders emphasized strengthening cooperation and marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization.
The meeting reaffirmed the strategic importance of Korea-Japan relations and their commitment to regional stability.