[2026-01-13]President Lee Jae-myung Highlights Expanded Korea-Japan Cooperation at Summit

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On January 13, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Nara, Japan, emphasizing the importance of Korea-Japan cooperation.
The two countries discussed practical measures for collaboration in economic security, science and technology, AI, social issues, and transnational crime response.
This summit continued the shuttle diplomacy tradition and marked progress in building future-oriented relations and addressing historical issues.

[2026-01-13]Korean Government Overhauls Livestock Distribution for Price Stability

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The Korean government is launching a comprehensive reform of the inefficient livestock distribution system that fails to reflect falling farm prices in consumer costs.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced four key tasks and ten detailed initiatives, including streamlining distribution, expanding price transparency, improving breeding methods, and boosting online transactions.
By 2030, the plan aims to increase hanwoo beef processing rates, raise pig auction shares, and enhance egg grading, ultimately reducing production costs and stabilizing prices.

[2026-01-13]Korea to Convert Livestock Manure to Renewable Energy for 38,000 Households by 2030

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The Korean government plans to convert livestock manure into renewable energy, generating electricity for 38,000 households annually by 2030.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs aims to expand solid fuel production to 1.18 million tons per year, reducing greenhouse gases by 500,000 tons annually.
Expansion of 25 production facilities, quality improvements, and increased demand will stabilize supply and accelerate industrialization.

[2026-01-13]After the Gyeongbuk Wildfire: Youth and Residents Rebuild Togat Village Together

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In March 2025, a massive wildfire devastated 99,289 hectares across five cities including Togat Village in Andong, Gyeongbuk.
Local youth group ‘Localgraphy May’ supported residents through government-backed recovery, documentation, and community programs.
Interaction between youth and villagers revitalized the community, with ongoing exhibitions and records planned for 2026.

[2026-01-13]Prosecution Reform: New Serious Crime Investigation Agency and Public Prosecution Office Announced

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The authority for direct investigations by prosecutors will be transferred to the Serious Crime Investigation Agency, while the Public Prosecution Office will focus on indictment and case maintenance.
The new agency will investigate nine major crimes including corruption, economic offenses, public officials, elections, defense projects, major disasters, drugs, national security, and cybercrime, with related bills open for public comment from January 12 to 26, 2024.
Key reforms include preventing abuse of prosecutorial powers, strengthening political neutrality, and ensuring organizational flexibility.

[2026-01-13]2026 Disability Pension Increase, Youth Employment, Hydrogen Cars: Latest Korean Policies

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The disability pension in Korea will rise to a maximum of 439,700 KRW per month in 2026, with the basic amount increased by 7,190 KRW to 349,700 KRW.
The government is launching the ‘First Step Job Guarantee Center’ for unemployed youth and investing 576.2 billion KRW to supply 7,820 hydrogen vehicles.
Additional measures include preventing no-show losses, expanding home care medical centers, supporting workplace safety, and extending VAT payment deadlines for small businesses.