The specialized training program for care workers has been criticized for having high qualification requirements and low applicant numbers. The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Health and Welfare have stated they will improve qualification requirements and strengthen employee treatment to address the care workforce shortage. The government plans to designate universities for training foreign care workers and implement various measures to encourage long-term employment.

The government has announced measures to address the issue of false and exaggerated ads created using AI. There will be mandatory labeling for AI-generated content and stronger punitive damages. Agencies like the Fair Trade Commission and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will cooperate to enforce swift and strict penalties.

The Asian Development Bank has raised South Korea’s economic growth forecast for this year and next by 0.1 percentage points to 0.9% and 1.7%, respectively. This adjustment reflects South Korea’s stimulus measures and increasing global semiconductor demand. However, risks such as the weak real estate market and renewed geopolitical tensions remain.

The budget for the Carbon Neutrality Points program will increase by 13.1% to 18.1 billion won next year. The unit price for high-quality recycling items will increase, while the price for commonly practiced activities will decrease. The revised system will be implemented starting January next year after consultations with relevant agencies.

The government will establish port and installation vessel infrastructure to support an annual 4GW of offshore wind power by 2030. Efforts by relevant ministries and industries target accumulating 25GW by 2035 and achieving a power generation cost of 150 won/kWh or lower, with detailed execution plans discussed. A mid- to long-term roadmap will be announced next year, and a bureau-level ‘Offshore Wind Power Promotion Team’ will be launched early this year.

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of national policy at a semiconductor industry development strategy meeting. He stated that the direction of fostering the semiconductor industry would also help the growth of individual companies. He also expressed interest in establishing an industrial ecosystem in the southern regions using renewable energy.