Labor Ministry Begins Overhaul of Chemical Substance Management System The government is set to reform the management system for chemical substances in workplaces. This initiative aims to create a practical exposure risk management system centered on chemical substance risk assessments, following a review of the limitations of the current system, which focuses on workplace environment measurements and special health examinations.On July 24, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, along with the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency and the Korean Society of Ind July 24, 2026

Prosecutors Seek 5-Year Sentence for Yoon Suk Yeol in Diplomatic Escape Case The Special Prosecutor's Office, led by Lee Myung-hyun, has requested a five-year prison sentence for Yoon Suk Yeol, the former president, who is accused of facilitating the escape of former Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop abroad.During a hearing on July 24 at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Jo Hyung-woo, the prosecution made its sentencing request regarding Yoon's charges of aiding a fugitive and obstructing the exercise of rights. The prosecution also sought three year July 24, 2026

Ministry of SMEs Launches $100 Million Fund to Support Overseas Korean Entrepreneurs The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on July 24 that it will host the 'K-Founders Connect in Silicon Valley' event in Silicon Valley, USA, to promote exchanges among overseas Korean entrepreneurs and strengthen connections within the global startup ecosystem.On this day, the ministry will officially unveil the 'Global Project for Everyone's Entrepreneurship,' aimed at supporting the entrepreneurial efforts of overseas Koreans and international students.The ministry plans to select 80 pros July 24, 2026

Kim Young-shin Visits Lion Robotics to Review Deep Tech Investment Success Kim Young-shin, head of the Small and Medium Business Technology Innovation Agency, visited Lion Robotics, a deep tech company specializing in quadrupedal robots, to review the outcomes of its R&D advancements and investment achievements.According to the agency, the visit aimed to confirm successful cases where government R&D support policies have led to significant business outcomes, including securing cutting-edge technology and attracting large-scale private investments, while also listening July 24, 2026

North Korean Defector School 'Yeomyung School' Settles in Seoul with Hyundai Support Yeomyung School, an alternative school for North Korean defectors, has settled in the site of the closed Yeomgang Elementary School in Gangseo, Seoul, with support from Hyundai Motor Company, the Ministry of Unification, and the Seoul Education Office.On July 24, Hyundai Motor Group announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Unification and the Seoul Education Office for the construction of new facilities for Yeomyung School.Founded in 2004 in Bongcheon-don July 24, 2026

Government Extends Special Management Task Force for Saemaul Geumgo Until Year-End The government has extended the 'Special Management Task Force for Saemaul Geumgo' until the end of the year, originally scheduled to operate only through the first half of 2026. Following the merger of 21 credit unions in the first half of the year, further restructuring and joint inspections are planned for the second half.On July 24, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, along with the Financial Services Commission, the Financial Supervisory Service, the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation July 24, 2026

People Power Party Holds Debate on Real Estate Policies, Calls for Change The People Power Party held a debate on July 24 aimed at normalizing the real estate market, stating, "We need to increase housing supply and revitalize redevelopment and reconstruction projects." This event was seen as a counter to President Lee Jae-myung's 'National Debate on Real Estate Policy' held the previous day.Jang Dong-hyuk, the party's leader, remarked during the debate at the National Assembly, "It seems that President Lee has no intention of changing his real estate policies."He cri July 24, 2026

HJ Heavy Industries Leads US-Korea Joint Shipbuilding R&D, Developing AI Welding Technology HJ Heavy Industries has been selected as the lead organization for a joint research and development (R&D) project in shipbuilding between South Korea and the United States, signing a collaborative agreement with U.S. research institutions.On July 23, HJ Heavy Industries attended the opening ceremony of the 'Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation Partnership Center' in Washington, D.C., where it announced the signing of an agreement with San Diego State University (SDSU), the U.S. partner in the joi July 24, 2026

Sandara Park Creates Special Memories for Underprivileged Children in Singapore Singer Sandara Park partnered with the social contribution platform Dream Fund to create special memories for underprivileged children in Singapore.On July 17, Dream Fund hosted a cultural experience program at the Museum of Ice Cream, inviting 19 children from the nonprofit organization Epworth Community Services.The children enjoyed a meaningful day exploring interactive exhibits like the Sprinkles Pool and Banana Jungle Maze, as well as indulging in various ice cream and play activities. Many July 24, 2026

President Lee's Approval Rating Drops to 51%, Real Estate Policy Criticized President Lee Jae-myung's approval rating has seen a slight decline for the third consecutive week, according to a recent public opinion survey. The primary reason cited for disapproval was his real estate policy.On July 24, Korea Gallup reported that President Lee's job approval rating stands at 51%. Meanwhile, 38% of respondents indicated they believe he is performing poorly, and 11% withheld their opinions. The survey was conducted from July 21 to July 23 among 1,003 adults aged 18 and older July 24, 2026