[2026-01-14]Ministry of Agriculture Steps Up Measures for Stable Food Supply Ahead of Lunar New Year

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is conducting weekly checks to address supply instability caused by livestock diseases and weather anomalies.
Key items this month include rice, cabbage, radish, garlic, apples, tangerines, strawberries, Korean beef, pork, and eggs, with vegetables and fruits showing overall stability.
Ahead of the Lunar New Year, the ministry plans to secure sufficient supply and strengthen management to ensure market stability.

[2026-01-14]President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese PM Takaiichi Discuss Deepening Korea-Japan Cooperation

On January 13, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Takaiichi Sanae in Nara, Japan, emphasizing expanded cooperation.
Both countries discussed practical measures for collaboration in economic security, science and technology, social issues, transnational crime response, and people-to-people exchanges.
The summit, part of ongoing shuttle diplomacy, marked a new starting point for future-oriented Korea-Japan relations after 60 years.

[2026-01-13]National Pension and Basic Pension Rise 2.1% in 2024; Income Ceiling Adjusted

From January 2024, National Pension and Basic Pension payments increase by 2.1%, with income ceiling adjustments set for July.
Approximately 7.52 million National Pension recipients and 7.79 million Basic Pension recipients will receive higher payments.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to revise related notices and enhance guidance on these changes.

[2026-01-13]Korean Government Launches Permanent R&D Budget Council for Efficiency and Expertise

The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Science and ICT will operate a permanent R&D budget council starting this year.
Of the total 2024 R&D budget of KRW 35.5 trillion, 85.3% (KRW 30.5 trillion) is allocated to major R&D projects.
Both ministries aim to enhance efficiency and expertise in budget allocation through strengthened cooperation and communication.

[2026-01-13]Gov24 Launches Easy Issuance Service for 2025 Year-End Tax Documents

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has opened a dedicated portal on Gov24 from June 12 for easy issuance of five types of year-end tax documents.
Users can conveniently obtain key certificates like resident registration without membership, using various authentication methods, all free of charge.
To handle increased traffic during tax season, a queue system is implemented, and mobile ID and SNS guidance are enhanced.

[2026-01-13]Korea Expands Drug Side Effect Compensation and Raises Medical Expense Limit

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced a five-year plan (2026–2030) to improve the drug side effect compensation system.
Coverage will expand to outpatient treatment before and after hospitalization, and the compensation cap will rise from 30 million to 50 million KRW.
Key strategies include streamlining application procedures, enhancing guidance for medical staff, and rationalizing system operations.