[2025-12-17]Health Lifestyle Support Fund Introduces Automatic Deduction System

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.
With this improvement, patients participating in primary care chronic disease management can automatically deduct their medical expenses within the range of their points when paying at participating clinics.
The preventive pilot project areas have been expanded from 15 to 50, allowing more citizens to participate.

[2025-12-17]Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy Announces New Specialized Complexes for Robots, Defense, and Secondary Batteries

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced a call for applications for the designation of new specialized complexes in the fields of robots, defense, and secondary batteries.
This initiative aims to secure competitive advantages in the robot and defense sectors and strengthen the supply chain in the secondary battery sector.
Interested institutions and companies can apply by February 27 next year, with final designations expected in the second half of the year.

[2025-12-17]Ministry of Science and ICT Launches K-Moonshot Project Contest

The Ministry of Science and ICT is inviting research and development ideas to solve national and social challenges.
The contest seeks innovative ideas in fields such as advanced bio, AI humanoids, and quantum technology.
Selected outstanding ideas will be announced in March next year, with top prizes including the Minister’s Award and 3 million KRW.

[2025-12-17]Korea-Japan Tourism Promotion Council Discusses Exchange Expansion

South Korea and Japan have arranged a meeting to discuss expanding tourism exchanges and revitalizing regional tourism.
This year’s council will be held in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, with over 80 tourism industry representatives from both countries attending.
The discussion will focus on various tourism industry issues, especially marking the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic normalization.

[2025-12-17]National AI Strategy Committee Announces Action Plan to Achieve Physical AI World No. 1 by 2030

The National AI Strategy Committee has unveiled an action plan to achieve the world’s top position in Physical AI by 2030.
The committee outlined three major policy pillars: fostering an AI innovation ecosystem, nationwide AI-based transformation, and contributing to a global AI basic society.
They will gather opinions from various sectors from the 16th until January 4th next year to finalize the plan.

[2025-12-17]President Lee Jae-myung Holds Summit with Lao President

President Lee Jae-myung and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during their summit.
The two countries will establish a hotline and sign an MOU for police cooperation, expanding collaboration in infrastructure, key minerals, and climate change response.
They also pledged close cooperation on regional and international issues, including the Korean Peninsula and ASEAN relations.