[2025-12-17]Amendments to Employment Insurance Act Approved by Cabinet

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced that amendments to the Employment Insurance Act and the Employment and Industrial Accident Insurance Premium Collection Act were approved by the Cabinet.
The payment period for substitute workers for parental leave will be extended by up to one month, and the subsidy will be fully paid for the duration of the substitute work.
A basis has been established to delegate some tasks of the new 4.5-day workweek support project to the Korea Labor Foundation starting next year.

[2025-12-17]Plastic Toys to be Recycled from Next Year

Starting next year, plastic toys must be collected and recycled by manufacturers, importers, and sellers along with other plastic items.
The amendment includes adding plastic toys to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system.
The recycling cost for toys is set at 343 won per kilogram, reflecting the actual costs of collection, transportation, sorting, and recycling.

[2025-12-17]Hometown Love Donation Exceeds 100 Billion Won

The cumulative donation amount for the Hometown Love Donation system has surpassed 100 billion won in its third year.
The increase is attributed to the activation of donations to special disaster areas and the expansion of private platform donations.
Next year, the tax deduction rate will be further expanded, leading to increased participation in donations.

[2025-12-17]Expansion of Local Government Participation in Government Committees

The government is pushing to improve the system to systematically reflect regional opinions in the national policy-making process by expanding the participation of local government recommended personnel.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Government Legislation, and the Council of Governors of Korea have approved 20 presidential decree amendments at the Cabinet meeting.
The amendments require local recommended personnel to participate in major government committees such as the Central Environmental Policy Committee and the Youth Employment Promotion Special Committee.

[2025-12-17]Child Allowance Age Gradually Extended from Next Year

Starting next year, the age for child allowance will be gradually extended, and integrated medical and care services for the elderly and disabled will be fully implemented.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced its work plan focusing on extending the child allowance age, expanding nationwide integrated medical and care services, and easing medical expenses.
Welfare policies that the public can feel will be promoted in areas such as childbirth and childcare, retirement income, and overall medical and care services.

[2025-12-17]Government to Expand ‘Solar Income Villages’ Nationwide

The government plans to expand ‘Solar Income Villages’ nationwide to enhance energy independence and increase residents’ income through community-led solar power generation.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety, along with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Climate and Environment, has prepared a nationwide expansion plan for ‘Solar Income Villages’ and announced comprehensive government support.
The government will provide integrated support for key elements of the project, including power grid connection, site acquisition, and financial assistance.