In 2023, foreign favorability toward Korea reached a record 82.3% since the 2018 survey began.
A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism survey of 13,000 people in 26 countries found K-content had the greatest positive impact.
Middle Eastern and African nations showed especially high favorability, with positive trends also seen in Japan and China.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor reorganized the task force for reducing actual working hours into an implementation monitoring team.
A total of KRW 936.3 billion will be invested this year in government support programs, including the Work-Life Balance+4.5 Project and smart factory expansion.
The team will strengthen on-site monitoring of the tripartite declaration, accelerating efforts to shorten working hours and improve work practices.
The government will expand integrated meal management support centers to all 228 cities, counties, and districts to enhance hygiene and nutrition for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and disabled.
This year, nutrition labeling will be extended to chicken, and a pilot project for ‘Healthy Food Stores’ will be launched at 300 convenience stores nationwide.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety aims to strengthen evidence-based nutrition information to create a healthier dietary environment for all citizens.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and KEITI announced a major expansion of green bond and green ABS issuance support this year.
Revised green taxonomy now includes next-generation low-carbon technologies and operating funds, broadening support for SMEs.
Interest cost support is extended up to 3 years, with up to KRW 300 million per company, aiming to strengthen private-led green investment.
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.
The authority for prosecutors to initiate investigations is transferred to the Major Crimes Investigation Agency, while the Prosecution Office focuses on indictment and maintenance.
The new agency will investigate nine major crimes, including corruption, economic crimes, public officials, elections, defense projects, large-scale disasters, drugs, national security, and cybercrime.
The Prosecution Office Act and Major Crimes Investigation Agency Act were announced on January 12, 2026, with follow-up measures such as organizational and system establishment underway.