[2026-01-13]Busan Port Cruise Immigration Time Reduction and Toothpaste Safety Controversy Explained

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated efforts to reduce Busan Port cruise immigration times through onboard security checks and increased staff.
Triclosan, a banned ingredient, was detected in Aekyung toothpaste, prompting the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to inspect six imported products, with up to 0.15% found.
Authorities pledged thorough safety checks and strict measures for violations to ensure public confidence in toothpaste safety.

[2026-01-13]KF-21 Fighter Completes 1,600 Test Flights, Marking New Era for Korean Aerospace

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced the successful completion of 1,600 accident-free test flights for the domestically developed 4.5-generation KF-21 fighter.
Since the prototype rollout in April 2021, agencies including the Ministry of National Defense, Air Force, ADD, and KAI have collaborated over 42 months to overcome development challenges.
Mass production of the KF-21 will begin in the second half of this year, significantly strengthening South Korea’s air defense capabilities.

[2026-01-13]Presidential Sejong Office Design Contest Marks Key Step for Administrative Capital

The Multifunctional Administrative City Construction Agency has launched a design contest for the Presidential Sejong Office.
The office will cover 40,000㎡ and include the presidential residence, crisis management center, and communication facilities.
The final winner will be selected at the end of April, with public participation voting influencing the design selection.

[2026-01-13]Global Mineral Supply Chain Meeting Highlights Korea\’s Role and International Cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol attended the critical minerals finance ministers meeting in Washington D.C. on June 12.
G7, Australia, India, Mexico, and EC participants expressed a shared commitment to overcoming supply chain vulnerabilities.
The U.S. emphasized derisking and investment, while Korea highlighted its refining capabilities and the need for resource recycling cooperation.

[2026-01-13]Apply Now: 2026 UNESCO Youth Expert Internship Program Expands Opportunities

The Ministry of Education and Korean National Commission for UNESCO are recruiting participants for the 2026 UNESCO Youth Expert Internship Program (U-STEP) until February 1.
This year, the number of selected interns increases to 10, with placements at UNESCO headquarters in Paris and the Bangkok office for six months.
Eligible applicants are aged 19 to 34, and final candidates will undergo pre-training in March-April before starting their internships from June to December.

[2026-01-13]Check Overseas Direct Purchase Food Safety on MFDS ‘Olbaro’ Website

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety urges consumers to check the ‘Olbaro’ website to prevent harm from overseas direct purchase foods containing hazardous ingredients.
Since its launch in 2021, the website has seen usage rise to 890,000 users in 2025, reflecting growing demand for safety information.
MFDS is strengthening consumer protection through online promotion, web app development, and regulatory amendments.