South Korea and the UK have concluded negotiations to improve their Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The agreement includes easing origin standards for key exports like automobiles and K-food, and opening up the UK high-speed rail and major service markets.
The improved FTA is expected to enhance market accessibility between the two countries.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment plans to distribute 3.5 million heat pumps by 2035 to reduce 5.18 million tons of greenhouse gases.
Priority will be given to areas without city gas, social welfare facilities, and facility-based farms.
The plan includes expanding distribution by sector, providing incentives, improving regulations, and building an industrial ecosystem.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced the passage of amendments to the Employment Insurance Act and the Employment and Industrial Accident Insurance Premium Collection Act in a cabinet meeting.
The payment period for substitute workers during parental leave will be extended by up to one month, and the subsidy will be fully paid for the duration of the substitute’s work.
Due to the minimum wage increase next year, the maximum daily job-seeking allowance will rise to 68,100 won.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced an amendment to the enforcement decree of the law to include plastic toys in the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system.
The amendment aims to promote the recycling of plastic toys by integrating them into the recycling system instead of imposing waste disposal fees.
The recycling cost for toys is set at 343 KRW per kg, and toys that are electric or electronic must be disposed of through a separate collection system.

The cumulative amount of donations for the Hometown Love Donation program has surpassed 100 billion won in its third year.
Donations to special disaster areas increased significantly in March and April.
Next year, the tax deduction rate will be further expanded, leading to more participation.

A system improvement is being promoted to allow local government recommended personnel to participate in government committees.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Government Legislation, and the Council of Governors of Korea have approved 20 amendments to presidential decrees.
This revision is expected to enable local governments to participate more actively in the decision-making process of major national policies.