Republic of Korea Policy Update — June 19, 2026

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Key Policy and Legislative Changes

1. G7 Summit Participation and Enhanced Global Standing — Korea Policy Briefing

The administration attended the 2026 G7 Summit, highlighting South Korea's growing stature and responsibilities on the world stage. South Korea has been recognized as a key G7 partner, specifically demonstrating its capacity to lead as it prepares for the 2028 G20 presidency.

2. Mandatory Special School Construction Bill Passed — Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education announced that a bill mandating the annual establishment of special education schools has passed the National Assembly. Designed to ensure educational accessibility for students with special needs, the law requires local education offices to draft and implement annual school construction plans. Additionally, three other bills regarding student housing platforms and the integrated management of classical literature also cleared the National Assembly.

3. Nine Environmental Bills Passed — Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment

The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment officially announced that nine legislative amendments, including the "Natural Parks Act" and the "Clean Air Conservation Act," passed the National Assembly plenary session on June 18, 2026. This move accelerates legislative efforts to preserve natural ecosystems and improve air quality.

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Regulatory Improvements and Administrative Changes

1. Innovation in Advanced Strategic Industry Regulations

The Ministry of Economy and Finance is pushing for regulatory innovation to build an ecosystem where companies can invest actively and grow sustainably. This includes re-evaluating regulations on advanced strategic industries, firm-size-based regulations, and support systems for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

2. Strengthening Industrial Safety — A "War on Industrial Accidents"

With the Lee Jae-myung administration declaring a "war on industrial accidents," the 2026 comprehensive labor safety plan is being ramped up. Key measures include: ▲expanding the scope of workplaces subject to inspection and supervision, ▲strengthening obligations for construction contracts and establishing developer liability, ▲mandating the formation and operation of joint labor-management industrial safety and health committees for primary and subcontractors, ▲making risk assessments mandatory with new penalty provisions, and ▲stiffening administrative and economic sanctions, such as business suspension, in the event of major accidents.

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Policy Impact and Future Schedule

1. Elevating Global Status and G20 Presidency Preparations

Through its participation in the G7 Summit, South Korea has expanded its role in the global economic order and laid the diplomatic groundwork for its 2028 G20 presidency. This serves as a critical signal for the future direction of South Korea's diplomatic and economic policies.

2. Narrowing Educational Gaps and Improving Access for the Disabled

With the passage of the bill mandating special school construction, education offices will now establish annual installation plans based on the number of students requiring special education. This is expected to guarantee educational rights for disabled students and address regional educational imbalances.

3. Accident Prevention Through Enhanced Industrial Safety

Following the enforcement of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, these tightened safety regulations are intended to encourage corporate investment in safety management and reduce accidents in high-risk sectors like construction and manufacturing. By expanding inspection targets and mandating joint safety committees, the government aims to hit its target for reducing industrial accidents in 2026.