[2026-01-27]Korean Government Launches Comprehensive Circular Economy Policy

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The Korean government is implementing a full-cycle resource circulation policy, including reducing single-use items, expanding recycling, and managing future waste resources.
The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment unveiled new initiatives at the 2025 Korea Circular Economy Festival, such as exhibiting remanufactured EV battery packs.
Long-term national strategies and technological innovation aim to transition toward a sustainable circular economy society.

[2026-01-26]President Lee Jae-myung Withdraws Nomination of Budget Minister Candidate Lee Hye-hoon

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President Lee Jae-myung has decided to withdraw the nomination of Lee Hye-hoon as Minister of Budget and Planning.
Despite serving three terms as a lawmaker for a conservative party, Lee Hye-hoon did not meet public expectations.
President Lee emphasized continued efforts toward national unity through inclusive appointments.

[2026-01-26]RDA Develops AI-Powered Crop Trait Analysis Automation Technology

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The Rural Development Administration has developed an automated crop trait analysis technology by combining phenotyping and artificial intelligence.
This innovation reduces analysis time from up to a week to an average of 30 minutes and achieves over 90% accuracy.
The technology is protected by 4 patents, 1 paper, and 1 copyright, and will be transferred to industry and expanded in the field.

[2026-01-26]Sewoon District 4 Redevelopment Faces UNESCO Inspection and Legal Hurdles

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The Cultural Heritage Administration has called for a full review of the Sewoon District 4 redevelopment due to legal non-compliance and concerns over the preservation of the UNESCO-listed Jongmyo Shrine.
With excavation incomplete and no detailed preservation plan submitted, construction cannot legally proceed; the Heritage Committee deferred its decision in January 2024.
If Seoul City fails to respond to UNESCO by January 30, the administration plans to request an immediate on-site inspection.

[2026-01-26]Innovative Medical Devices to Enter Market in Just 80 Days

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The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will implement the Immediate Market Entry Medical Technology system from January 26, 2026.
With this system, medical devices that pass international-level clinical evaluations can enter the market in as little as 80 days without separate new technology assessments.
Patient safety and non-reimbursement management will be strengthened, covering 199 items including digital medical devices.

[2026-01-26]African Swine Fever Confirmed at Pocheon Farm: Nationwide Quarantine Measures Intensified

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African Swine Fever (ASF) was confirmed on January 24 at a pig farm in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, leading to immediate quarantine actions.
This is the third ASF case in South Korea this year, with 7,945 pigs culled and a 24-hour standstill order issued for related facilities in nine cities and counties.
Authorities are strengthening nationwide disinfection, inspections, and farm management to prevent further outbreaks, while the impact on pork supply is expected to be minimal.