Foreign Minister Cho Hyun received a briefing from KOICA President Jang Won-sam on the agency’s project direction and operational improvement plans.
Minister Cho emphasized the importance of strategic ODA that contributes to national interests and key government policies, explaining the formation of a task force to integrate KOICA’s aid efforts and enhance accountability.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to strengthen KOICA’s organizational operations and ODA implementation based on the briefing results.

The Korea Forest Service announced that the wildfire in Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, is suspected to have been caused by a cigarette butt thrown from a moving vehicle.
The fire broke out early on January 9 and was extinguished in about 40 minutes, with the exact cause still under investigation.
The Korea Forest Service urged the public to refrain from discarding cigarette butts and illegal burning due to the increased wildfire risk from dry weather.

The Public Procurement Service and EBS have co-produced a special program titled ‘Opening the World of Innovative Products’ to be aired on January 11.
The program highlights the global expansion of K-innovative technologies and how public procurement supports the growth and international reach of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Rapper and broadcaster DinDin and former Brave Girls member Nam Yu-jeong will host the show, introducing innovative companies and their achievements to the audience.

The 13th Diplomat Candidate Training Course inauguration for 2026 was held at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy.
A total of 42 candidates will undergo approximately 11 months of training to develop essential diplomatic skills.
The KNDA has enhanced participatory and discussion-based classes to train elite diplomats.

The National Data Agency held the 2025 Statistics Promotion Awards Ceremony.
The ceremony took place on January 9, 2026, at the International Conference Room of the National Data Talent Development Center.
Presidential and Prime Minister’s commendations were awarded to individuals and organizations.

The Ministry of Interior and Safety conducted an emergency inspection of cold wave facilities in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province on January 9.
This inspection is part of measures to minimize damage caused by the cold wave.
For more details, please refer to the attached document.