[2026-04-18]South Korea Revises War Supplementary Budget, Elderly Care, and Duty-Free Policies

South Korea has implemented a war supplementary budget and revised elderly care and duty-free policies.
Key changes include targeted financial support, improved elderly care oversight, and relaxed duty-free return rules.
These measures were enacted in April 2024 and are currently being implemented.

[2026-04-17]South Korea Secures Oil and Naphtha Amid Middle East Crisis: Emergency Energy Policy Actions

South Korea has launched emergency energy policies to secure oil and naphtha supplies amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Key agreements with Kazakhstan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar ensure stable imports and market order.
As of April 2026, these measures are actively being implemented to mitigate supply risks.

[2026-04-17]South Korea Influenza Annual Report: Vaccination Rates, Disease Burden, and Policy Impact

South Korea released its first joint national influenza annual report, highlighting disease surveillance and vaccination outcomes.
The 2024-2025 season saw the highest physician-reported influenza rate since 2016 and increased healthcare costs post-pandemic.
The report was published in April 2025, with ongoing collaboration between the Korea Disease Control Agency and National Health Insurance Service.

[2026-04-17]Global National Heritage Ambassadors Program Launches in Korea for 2026 Promotion

The Korea Heritage Service launched the 2026 Global National Heritage Ambassadors program.
Forty international students will promote Korean heritage using social media and AI.
The program began with a kick-off ceremony on April 17, 2024, in Seoul.

[2026-04-17]South Korea Expands Penalties for Public Data Breaches and Market Disruption Reporting

South Korea is strengthening penalties for public institutions involved in personal data breaches.
The government is also addressing concerns about electricity pricing and market disruption amid energy supply instability.
Key policy changes are being implemented in April and May 2024.

[2026-04-17]South Korea Overhauls Regulatory Reform with Mega Special Zones and New Committee

South Korea has restructured its national regulatory reform framework after 28 years.
The new Regulatory Rationalization Committee, chaired by the President, aims to foster strategic reforms and public-private cooperation.
The first meeting was held on April 15, 2026, discussing mega special zones and support packages.