South Korea Expands Economic Cooperation with Central Asia The South Korean government is seeking to enhance economic cooperation with Central Asia by exploring collaboration in supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy sectors. On June 11, the Ministry of Finance and Economy announced that it held a meeting of economic cooperation experts with Central Asia, chaired by Deputy Minister Heo Chang, at the Government Complex in Seoul. This meeting was organized in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Korea-Central Asia Summi June 11, 2026

Seven More Regions Selected for Rural Basic Income Pilot Program The South Korean government has selected seven additional regions, including Jin-an and Muju in North Jeolla Province and Cheongsong in North Gyeongsang Province, for its rural basic income pilot program. This expansion increases the number of pilot areas from 10 to 17. On June 11, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the results of the application process for the rural basic income pilot program, which will run until next year. The newly selected regions includ June 11, 2026

Court Rules Same-Sex Couples Are Legally Recognized Communities, Orders Damages A South Korean court has ruled that same-sex couples form a legally recognized living community, ordering a third party responsible for a relationship breakdown to pay damages. According to Yonhap News on June 10, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Appeal Division 3-2, led by Judges Kim So-young, Jang Chang-guk, and Moon Jong-cheol, partially upheld a lawsuit filed by a same-sex partner, referred to as A, against C, the former partner of A's ex-lover, B. The court ordered C to June 11, 2026

K-Beauty Platform Whaekai Global Accelerates AI Transformation Whaekai Global, the operator of the beauty platform Whaekai, is rapidly innovating its operations through artificial intelligence (AI). The company aims to apply AI agents across its organization, moving beyond simple automation of repetitive tasks, and to leverage its verified technological capabilities to support the growth of its partner brands. According to industry sources on June 11, as AI transformation (AX) emerges as a new growth strategy across various sectors, Whaekai Global i June 11, 2026

Startup Agency Strengthens Network Between AI Tech Startups and Demand Companies The Startup Promotion Agency is enhancing its network between AI transformation (AX) technology startups and demand companies, including large, medium, and small enterprises, public institutions, and hospitals. On June 10, the agency announced it hosted the 'Link-Up Four Domain AX Program Startup-Demand Company Meetup Day' in Seoul. This event served as a collaborative platform to combine the AI capabilities of leading startups with the infrastructure of prominent domestic and internatio June 11, 2026

Government to Increase Policy Funding for Local Businesses with Lower Interest Rates The government is accelerating the expansion of 'local preferential finance,' which provides lower interest rates and higher limits for policy funding to local businesses. With the participation of the Korea Eximbank and the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation in the local supply target program, the scale of policy funding for non-capital regions is expected to reach 164 trillion won annually by 2028. The Financial Services Commission announced on June 11 that it held the inaugural 'Policy F June 11, 2026

Court Holds Daejeon City Liable in Kim Ha-neul Murder Case, Family Wins Partial Compensation The family of Kim Ha-neul, a student murdered by a teacher at an elementary school in Daejeon, has won a partial victory in their compensation lawsuit against the perpetrator and Daejeon City. The court ruled that both Myung Jae-wan, the assailant, and Daejeon City share liability for damages. On June 11, the Daejeon District Court's Civil Division 20, presided over by Judge Song Hyun-jik, issued a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs in their lawsuit against Myung Jae-wan, Daejeon City, an June 11, 2026

Debate Over Delivery App Fees Heats Up as Baemin Sale Looms As the June 3 local elections conclude, discussions surrounding the regulation of delivery platform fees are reigniting. The push from small business owners for legal caps on fees is intensifying, coinciding with the upcoming announcement of the Fair Trade Commission's sanctions and the impending sale of Baemin, valued at over 8 trillion won, which is just a month away. On June 11, industry sources reported that the Democratic Party's Euljiro Committee, delivery app companies, and small b June 11, 2026

Seong-tae Jeon Declares Ambitious AI Hospital Vision at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital Bundang Seoul National University Hospital has announced its goal to become a global leader in future healthcare, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI). Seong-tae Jeon, the newly appointed director, presented this vision during his inauguration ceremony held on June 10 at the hospital's Healthcare Innovation Park. In his inaugural address, Jeon outlined three key objectives to achieve this vision: becoming a center for future healthcare innovation, establishing a comprehensive public healthca June 11, 2026

Economic Groups Warn of Impact from Concrete Transport Strike in Seoul Economic groups expressed deep concern over the concrete transport union's strike in the Seoul metropolitan area, stating it is causing significant disruptions across the industry. On June 11, six major economic organizations, including the Korea Economic Association, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Korea Employers Federation, the Korea International Trade Association, the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Korea Federation of Medium Enterprises, rel June 11, 2026