[2026-01-14]KF-21 Fighter Completes 1,600 Test Flights, Marking a 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 jet.
Since the prototype rollout in April 2021, agencies including the Ministry of National Defense and the Air Force have verified over 13,000 test conditions, with advanced trials such as aerial refueling and air-to-air weapon launches.
Mass production of the KF-21 will begin in the second half of this year, significantly boosting South Korea’s air defense and future aerial combat capabilities.

[2026-01-14]Presidential Sejong Office Design Contest Marks Key Step for Administrative Capital

The Multifunctional Administrative City Construction Agency has launched the architectural design contest for the Presidential Sejong Office.
The office will cover 40,000㎡ and include the presidential residence, crisis management center, and other key facilities.
A public voting system will be used to ensure citizens’ opinions are reflected in the final design selection.

[2026-01-14]Global Critical Minerals Meeting Highlights Korea\’s Role in Supply Chain Cooperation

Vice Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol attended the Critical Minerals Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington D.C.
G7, Australia, India, Mexico, and EC countries expressed a joint commitment to overcoming supply chain vulnerabilities.
The U.S. emphasized derisking over decoupling, urging expanded technical and project-based cooperation with Korea.

[2026-01-14]Apply for the 2026 UNESCO Youth Expert Training Program by February 1

The Ministry of Education and Korean National Commission for UNESCO announced applications for the 2026 UNESCO Youth Expert Training Program (U-STEP) are open until February 1.
This year, 10 participants will be selected to gain hands-on experience at UNESCO offices in Paris and Bangkok for six months.
Eligible applicants are aged 19 to 34, with final selection through domestic screening and UNESCO interviews.

[2026-01-14]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.
The website’s users increased from 300,000 in 2023 to 400,000 in 2024, reaching 890,000 in 2025.
MFDS is enhancing online promotion, developing a web app, and revising laws to create a safer environment for overseas direct food purchases.

[2026-01-14]Stricter Criteria for Age-Friendly Cities Passed at Cabinet Meeting

On June 13, the amended Enforcement Decree of the Welfare of Senior Citizens Act was approved at the Cabinet meeting, strengthening criteria for age-friendly city designation.
The designation is valid for five years, and local governments must demonstrate achievements in senior participation, care, and safety to apply.
Regulations for cancellation and administrative support are established, with detailed guidelines to be announced in the first half of this year.