South Korea

Chosun Ilbo | English | News | Jan. 14, 2026 | Climate Change

The South Korean government has allocated over 1 trillion Korean won for indoorization projects at five coal-fired power plants to install roofs and structures that prevent coal dust from spreading. These indoor coal storage facilities, designed to last over 30 years, are being built at plants with scheduled closures within 2 to 12 years, creating a significant mismatch between investment and facility lifespan. For example, the Hadong Power Plant is receiving 165.7 billion won for indoorization, yet several units will be decommissioned just two to five years after project completion. Other plants including Taean, Dangjin, Boryeong, and Yeongheung are also slated for closure by the mid-2030s.

Experts argue that less costly alternatives such as water spray systems, windbreaks, and dust covers could similarly reduce coal dust emissions, potentially saving tens of billions of won annually. A 2023 Canadian report found that while enclosed structures reduce coal dust by about 90%, water spraying can achieve up to 95% reduction. The indoorization projects, which require complex engineering including pillar-less roofs as high as 20-story buildings, were introduced under the Moon Jae-in administration in 2019 despite questions regarding their feasibility given planned power plant closures.

South Korea stands out among coal phase-out coalition members as the only country pursuing new indoor coal storage projects after 2020, whereas regions like the EU and the Americas with similar 2040 phase-out targets have not initiated such investments. China, with its carbon neutrality target set for 2060, continues to maintain coal storage sealing. The accelerated coal phase-out under the Lee Jae-myung administration has intensified concerns, particularly given coal’s role as a stabilizing energy source amidst renewable energy fluctuations. Critics highlight the inefficiency and taxpayer burden of constructing expensive, temporary infrastructure destined for early dismantlement.

공정위 “쿠팡 영업정지 검토”…입점업체 손실전가 ‘약탈적 사업’ 저격도

Maekyung | Local Language | News | Jan. 14, 2026 | Regulatory Enforcement Actions

The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Joo Byung-gi has signaled the potential suspension of Coupang’s operations following a personal information leak, with investigations currently underway by multiple agencies including the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Personal Information Protection Commission. The FTC will assess consumer harm from the data leak and may impose operational suspension if remedial measures are not implemented or consumer harm persists.

In addition to the data breach, the FTC is investigating Coupang for allegedly passing losses from its low-price sales strategy onto partner sellers, labeling this a predatory business practice. There are also probes into accusations of exaggerated discount promotions to Wow membership members and coercion of delivery-app vendors to provide favorable terms. Depending on the findings, Coupang could face fines ranging from tens to hundreds of billions of won, potentially impacting its overall business model.

The FTC is scrutinizing whether Chairman Kim Beom-seok and his family are involved in Coupang’s management, which could lead to designating Kim as the “same person” who effectively controls the company. This status change would subject him to regulatory obligations, which he has avoided by citing his U.S. citizenship and claimed non-involvement of relatives in management. The issue has been reignited by revelations of significant compensation paid to Kim’s brother by Coupang Korea.

Separately, a government official emphasized that the response to Coupang’s personal information leak will be handled independently of trade or diplomatic considerations, clarifying that the Korean government does not discriminate against Coupang as a U.S.-linked company.

김윤덕 국토장관 “고정밀지도, 애플 기준으로 풀 것”…UAM 기체 개발 검토

ET News | Local Language | News | Jan. 14, 2026 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok stated that high-precision maps for export would be based on Apple’s standards, highlighting that Apple has domestic servers, unlike Google. The government is using Apple as a precedent to set export standards amid ongoing security discussions involving multiple ministries and security agencies. Minister Kim emphasized that security remains the top priority in these deliberations.

Regarding autonomous driving, Minister Kim expressed concern that South Korea currently lags behind the United States, where Level 4 autonomous vehicles operate safely in urban areas. The ministry plans to significantly expand autonomous vehicle demonstrations this year with 200 vehicles in various environments, aiming for Level 4 commercialization by 2028.

Minister Kim also indicated a potential shift in the urban air mobility (UAM) strategy. Due to certification delays of U.S.-developed UAM aircraft, commercialization by 2028 seems challenging. The government is considering developing UAM aircraft domestically, working with companies like Hyundai Motor and small to medium-sized enterprises, and involving aviation-related agencies in the discussions.

The public sector's UAM commercialization targets are set for after 2028, focusing on tourism, logistics, and emergency medical services. Minister Kim expressed a vision for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to lead in advanced mobility technologies including autonomous driving, UAM, and drones, aiming to make 2026 a year of perceptible change. The ministry will also promote five core policies in 2026: balanced growth, housing stability, transportation innovation, future growth, and public safety.