South Korea has been designated as the chair country for the 2027 International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly.
IRENA, founded in 2011, has 171 member countries and aims to accelerate global energy transition and renewable expansion.
Korea will lead key agenda-setting and international cooperation for renewable energy over the next year.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated efforts to reduce Busan Port cruise immigration times through onboard security checks and increased staff.
Triclosan, a banned ingredient, was detected in Aekyung toothpaste, prompting the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to inspect six imported products, with up to 0.15% found.
Authorities pledged thorough safety checks and strict measures for violations to ensure public confidence in toothpaste safety.
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.
Since the prototype rollout in April 2021, agencies including the Ministry of National Defense, Air Force, ADD, and KAI have collaborated over 42 months to overcome development challenges.
Mass production of the KF-21 will begin in the second half of this year, significantly strengthening South Korea’s air defense capabilities.
The Multifunctional Administrative City Construction Agency has launched a design contest for the Presidential Sejong Office.
The office will cover 40,000㎡ and include the presidential residence, crisis management center, and communication facilities.
The final winner will be selected at the end of April, with public participation voting influencing the design selection.
Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol attended the critical minerals finance ministers meeting in Washington D.C. on June 12.
G7, Australia, India, Mexico, and EC participants expressed a shared commitment to overcoming supply chain vulnerabilities.
The U.S. emphasized derisking and investment, while Korea highlighted its refining capabilities and the need for resource recycling cooperation.
The Ministry of Education and Korean National Commission for UNESCO are recruiting participants for the 2026 UNESCO Youth Expert Internship Program (U-STEP) until February 1.
This year, the number of selected interns increases to 10, with placements at UNESCO headquarters in Paris and the Bangkok office for six months.
Eligible applicants are aged 19 to 34, and final candidates will undergo pre-training in March-April before starting their internships from June to December.