South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held talks with UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.
Key topics included the ‘Stargate UAE’ AI data center project, joint oil reserves, and cooperation in oil and gas sectors.
Both sides agreed to enhance strategic collaboration to stabilize energy supply chains and boost industrial growth.

The government unveiled the ‘Hyper AI Network Strategy’ to build an AI highway, including 6G commercialization, expansion of AI base stations, and submarine cable reinforcement.
It aims to enhance intelligence and performance across all areas of the national network—mobile, wired, satellite, and submarine communications—by 2030.
The strategy also includes industrial competitiveness measures such as technology development, demand creation, and institutional support for the 6G and AI network sectors.

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 specialized courses for middle-aged workers.
To strengthen AI training infrastructure, the government will establish AI labs, designate joint training centers, and launch instructor development programs.

The government has decided to flexibly adjust foreign exchange soundness measures to address structural supply-demand imbalances in the forex market.
This includes temporarily easing supervisory actions on advanced foreign currency liquidity stress tests, relaxing futures foreign exchange position limits, and expanding permission for won-purpose foreign currency loans.
It also plans to activate integrated foreign investor accounts and clarify the professional investor status of overseas-listed foreign companies to improve forex liquidity.

The Fair Trade Commission has revised and implemented new standards for penalties related to restaurant no-shows and wedding venue cancellations.
The penalty cap for reservation-based restaurants is set at 40% of the total cost, while general restaurants are capped at 20%. Wedding venues now apply penalties up to 70%, depending 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 praised the military’s role in national survival during a defense ministry briefing on the 18th.
He acknowledged the military’s loyalty and performance during the December 3 emergency martial law incident.
He also emphasized the need for greater compensation and respect for those who made special sacrifices for the nation.