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.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety urges consumers to check the ‘Olbaro’ website to prevent harm from overseas direct purchase foods containing hazardous ingredients.
Since its launch in 2021, the website has seen usage rise to 890,000 users in 2025, reflecting growing demand for safety information.
MFDS is strengthening consumer protection through online promotion, web app development, and regulatory amendments.
On June 13, the amended Enforcement Decree of the Senior Welfare Act was approved, strengthening criteria and procedures for designating age-friendly cities.
The designation is valid for five years, and local governments must submit documents on organizational structure and project performance to the Minister of Health and Welfare.
Annual implementation is monitored, and designations can be revoked for fraudulent applications or failure to carry out plans.
President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met for a summit in Nara, Japan, on January 13, 2026.
Both leaders emphasized strengthening cooperation and marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization.
The meeting reaffirmed the strategic importance of Korea-Japan relations and their commitment to regional stability.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is conducting weekly checks on the supply of agro-livestock products in response to animal diseases and weather anomalies.
Key items this month include rice, cabbage, radish, garlic, apples, tangerines, strawberries, Korean beef, pork, and eggs, with some showing price increases.
The government plans to ensure stable supply during the holiday season by expanding supply and strengthening crop management.