The country has begun consultation with the EU on this year's draft resolution on North Korea's human rights abuses, breaking a 4-years silence towards NK’s violations; the resolution has been adopted for 20 consecutive years, unanimously since 2016

2026 economic master plan aims at a “great economic leap,” forecasting 2% GDP growth; government plans substantial investments in semiconductors, AI, defense and biotech, new fiscal policy, price stabilization and measures to boost consumption

Former oceans minister was summoned by police over a bribery scandal involving the Unification Church: prosecutors allege he received cash and a luxury watch in exchange for backing church-linked projects; Chun denies the claims as raids widen the probe

A sovereign fund and an export fund will be launched in 2026; finance ministry plans better management of state assets, new U.S.-focused investment tools under the recent tariff deal, and measures to foster AI industries and strengthen economic security

Art Odyssey, promoted by art institutions and cultural authorities, aims to coordinate global promotion of Korean art by linking museums, curators and research programs; It supports joint exhibitions, exchanges and strategies for artistic presence abroad