Following Woo Sang-ho’s resignation, Hong Ik-pyo, former floor leader of the Democratic Party, has been appointed as the new Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs.
Hong is a three-term lawmaker with experience as floor leader and standing committee chair in the National Assembly.
His term begins on January 20, 2026, with the Blue House emphasizing continuity and political cooperation.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced the 4th Aquatic Animal Disease Control Plan for 2026–2030.
Key measures include full-scale operation of the WOAH Collaborating Centre, AI-based disease prediction, and a blockchain quarantine system.
The plan aims to strengthen climate change response, train experts, and promote autonomous biosecurity to protect the industry and public health.
The National Fire Agency’s 2025 analysis shows that climate change and an aging population are significantly altering disaster response in Korea.
While fires increased by 1.9%, rescue operations dropped by 9.2% and ambulance calls by 1.2%, with those aged 60 and over making up 58% of transported patients.
Authorities stress the need for precise, data-driven disaster response systems to address these evolving challenges.
Over the past five years, 56% of cold-related illness cases occurred among people aged 60 and older.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 1,914 cases, with 1,071 involving seniors and 12.2% linked to dementia.
During winter, it is crucial to limit outdoor activities and follow preventive measures to avoid cold-related illnesses.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment is recruiting businesses for a regulatory sandbox on pyrolysis recycling of waste plastics from January 19 to February 27.
Key projects include demonstration of pyrolysis feedstock and residue recycling, e-labeling for household chemicals, and upcycling of agricultural by-products.
Selected participants will conduct demonstrations for up to two years, with government support of up to 120 million KRW and regulatory exemptions.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that doctor helicopters and Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICUs) transported 1,414 critical emergency patients in 2025.
Doctor helicopters with specialists improved survival rates for 1,075 patients, while MICU pilot operations safely transferred 339 patients, including newborns.
The government plans to further strengthen the emergency transport system by adding more helicopters and MICUs.