The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Health Insurance Service announced improvements to the Health Lifestyle Support Fund pilot project to enhance health management for hypertension and diabetes patients and those with health risk factors.
Participants in the primary care chronic disease management project can now automatically deduct their medical expenses within the range of their points.
The preventive pilot project area has been expanded from 15 to 50 regions, allowing more people to participate.

The Ministry of Trade has announced a call for applications for new specialized complexes in the fields of robots, defense, and batteries.
The designation aims to secure a competitive edge in robots and defense and strengthen the supply chain in the battery sector.
Interested institutions and companies can apply by February 27 next year, with the designation expected in the second half of the year.

The Ministry of Science and ICT is inviting ideas for research and development in national strategic technology fields and solutions to national and social challenges.
The contest covers various fields such as advanced bio, AI humanoids, and quantum technology, and accepts applications from both the general public and researchers.
Selected outstanding ideas will be announced in March next year, with the top prize including the Minister of Science and ICT Award and a cash prize of 3 million won.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism held the 39th Korea-Japan Tourism Promotion Council in Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic normalization, and discussions focused on expanding tourism exchanges and revitalizing regional tourism.
The Yeosu Island Expo Organizing Committee will promote the Yeosu World Island Expo next year, and Cheongju International Airport and Japan’s Kansai Tourism Bureau will also present their opinions.

The National AI Strategy Committee has unveiled an action plan aiming to achieve the world’s top position in physical AI by 2030.
The committee explained its major achievements and AI action plan, and will seek opinions from various sectors.
The plan includes three main policy pillars: fostering an AI innovation ecosystem, nationwide AI-based transformation, and contributing to a global AI fundamental society.

President Lee Jae-myung and Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during their summit.
The two nations will establish a hotline for citizen protection and pursue a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for police cooperation.
They also pledged close cooperation on regional and international issues, including the Korean Peninsula and Korea-ASEAN relations.