[2026-01-20]Credit Evaluation System Reform TF Launched for Financial Transformation

On January 20, 2026, the Financial Services Commission held a kickoff meeting for the Credit Evaluation System Reform TF to review current issues and discuss improvement plans.
The TF aims to enhance personal and small business credit evaluation, activate alternative credit assessment, and utilize AI for building key financial infrastructure.
Future plans include sequentially announcing improvement measures for each task and conducting research projects led by private experts.

[2026-01-20]Korean Ministry Unveils Roadmap to Tackle Farm Labor Shortage by 2030

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced its first Basic Plan for Agricultural Employment Support for 2026–2030.
Key goals include raising the public sector’s share of farm labor supply to 60% by 2030, achieving 100% insurance coverage for seasonal workers by 2026, and mandating wage guarantee insurance.
The government aims to enhance labor supply and working conditions to ensure sustainable agriculture.

[2026-01-20]2023 Startup Trends in Korea: Growth in Young Entrepreneurs and Tech Sectors

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development released the 2023 Startup Survey results.
In 2023, there were 4.902 million startups, accounting for 59.1% of all SMEs, with 979,000 tech-based startups making up 20%.
Startups led by young entrepreneurs grew by 2.2%, and the government plans to increase the startup support budget to KRW 3.5 trillion by 2026.

[2026-01-19]Korea Unveils 4th Aquatic Animal Disease Control Plan to Boost Biosecurity

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced the 4th Aquatic Animal Disease Control Plan for 2026–2030.
Key measures include full-scale operation of the WOAH Collaborating Centre, AI-based disease prediction, and a blockchain quarantine system.
The plan aims to strengthen climate change response, train experts, and promote autonomous biosecurity to protect the industry and public health.

[2026-01-19]How Climate Crisis and Aging Population Are Shaping Korea’s 2025 Disaster Response

The National Fire Agency’s 2025 analysis shows that climate change and an aging population are significantly altering disaster response in Korea.
While fires increased by 1.9%, rescue operations dropped by 9.2% and ambulance calls by 1.2%, with those aged 60 and over making up 58% of transported patients.
Authorities stress the need for precise, data-driven disaster response systems to address these evolving challenges.

[2026-01-19]Cold Wave Alert: Elderly Face Higher Risk of Cold-Related Illnesses

Over the past five years, 56% of cold-related illness cases occurred among people aged 60 and older.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 1,914 cases, with 1,071 involving seniors and 12.2% linked to dementia.
During winter, it is crucial to limit outdoor activities and follow preventive measures to avoid cold-related illnesses.