South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held talks with UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology to discuss cooperation in AI data centers and oil stockpiling.
The ‘Stargate UAE’ project aims to build a 5GW AI computing cluster, with a 200MW cluster scheduled to begin operations next year.
Both sides agreed to expand the existing oil stockpiling collaboration and continue cooperation in upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors.

The government announced the ‘Hyper AI Network Strategy’ to build an AI superhighway through 6G commercialization, AI base station expansion, and submarine cable reinforcement.
It plans to enhance intelligence and performance across all national network sectors including mobile, wired, satellite, and submarine communications by 2030.
The strategy also includes industrial competitiveness measures such as technology development, demand creation, and institutional improvements for 6G and AI network industries.

The government announced a large-scale AI talent development policy to support education and training for over 1 million people across all age groups over the next five years.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor outlined plans including upgrading KDT programs, customized AI training for SMEs, and re-employment support for middle-aged workers at various stages of the labor market.
To strengthen the AI training infrastructure, the government will establish AI training centers, expand practical labs, and launch instructor development programs to build a sustainable ecosystem.

The government has decided to flexibly adjust foreign exchange soundness measures to address structural supply-demand imbalances in the forex market.
Included are temporary relief from advanced foreign currency liquidity stress tests, relaxed futures foreign exchange position rules, and expanded permission for won-purpose foreign currency loans.
It also plans to boost foreign investment through enhanced foreign investor unified accounts and clearer professional investor status for overseas-listed foreign firms.

The Fair Trade Commission has revised and implemented new standards for penalty fees related to restaurant no-shows and wedding venue cancellations.
The penalty cap is set at 40% of total cost for reservation-based restaurants and 20% for general restaurants, with wedding venue penalties tiered up to 70% based on cancellation timing.
Standards for lodging, travel, and other sectors have also been updated, including new dispute resolution criteria for study cafes.

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the military’s core responsibilities during a defense ministry briefing on the 18th.
He commended the military’s loyalty and stability following the December 3 martial law incident.
He also stressed the need for greater compensation for veterans and their families who sacrificed for the nation.