[2025-12-16]Korea-Japan Tourism Promotion Council Discusses Exchange Expansion

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism held the 39th Korea-Japan Tourism Promotion Council in Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic normalization, and discussions focused on expanding tourism exchanges and revitalizing regional tourism.
The Yeosu Island Expo Organizing Committee will promote the Yeosu World Island Expo next year, and Cheongju International Airport and Japan’s Kansai Tourism Bureau will also present their opinions.

[2025-12-16]National AI Strategy Committee Unveils Action Plan to Achieve Physical AI World No.1 by 2030

The National AI Strategy Committee has unveiled an action plan aiming to achieve the world’s top position in physical AI by 2030.
The committee explained its major achievements and AI action plan, and will seek opinions from various sectors.
The plan includes three main policy pillars: fostering an AI innovation ecosystem, nationwide AI-based transformation, and contributing to a global AI fundamental society.

[2025-12-16]President Lee Jae-myung Holds Summit with Laos President

President Lee Jae-myung and Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during their summit.
The two nations will establish a hotline for citizen protection and pursue a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for police cooperation.
They also pledged close cooperation on regional and international issues, including the Korean Peninsula and Korea-ASEAN relations.

[2025-12-16]President Lee Jae-myung Unveils First Budget for AI Era

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of the first budget for the AI era in his 2026 budget speech.
Next year’s government R&D budget has been set at approximately 35.5 trillion won, the largest ever.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to allocate 261.7 billion won for R&D in the agricultural sector, focusing on smart agriculture and green bio.

[2025-12-16]Insufficient Support for Gyeongbuk Wildfire Victims Criticized

There have been criticisms that sufficient support has not been provided to victims of the Gyeongbuk wildfire.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety stated that they will continuously manage the recovery and support efforts to ensure they are carried out swiftly.
The government announced that officials will visit the 2,415 households currently in temporary housing to address any inconveniences until they can move out.