South Korea

우주항공청, K-스페이스 R&ampD에 9,495억 원 투자

ZD Net Korea | Local Language | News | Jan. 5, 2026 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

The Aerospace Agency’s 2026 budget allocates a total of 1 trillion 120.1 billion won, with 949.5 billion won dedicated to research and development (R&D) across 53 projects. Basic expenses and non-R&D projects account for 170.6 billion won. The comprehensive implementation plan prioritizes space transportation, which receives 263.2 billion won despite a reduction of 42.3 billion won from the previous year.

Aerospace policy is the second-largest category, funded at 216.8 billion won, an increase of 5.4 billion won, followed by the satellite sector with 211.2 billion won (+6.0 billion won). The space science exploration sector sees the largest percentage increase of 66.8%, rising to 90.5 billion won. Aviation innovation also receives a boost, increasing by 7.6 billion won to 23.5 billion won.

Specific aerospace policy and industry priorities include funding for research operating expenses and facility support (191.3 billion won), training programs, space hazard response systems, and development of new space risk analysis technologies. New investments target talent development for space technology innovation, establishment of a space industry cluster, and construction of a test facility for private-sector space launch vehicle engines.

The Aerospace Mission Headquarters will promote private sector development of high-performance upper-stage engines and high-altitude transport vehicles. Major allocations include 125.3 billion won for Korea-type launch vehicle advancements, 120.4 billion won for next-generation launch vehicles, and 12.7 billion won for key aerospace technologies. New projects include orbital transport vehicle flight model development (3.0 billion won).

Satellite R&D funding emphasizes advanced space object control technologies, micro-satellite systems, geostationary communications satellites, the Korea Positioning System, and next-generation imaging radar. Additional projects focus on meteorological and space weather satellites, low-Earth-orbit satellite communications, and ultra-high-resolution optical satellites.

Lunar exploration efforts include 80.9 billion won for the Lunar Exploration Phase 2 lander development, international collaboration on private lunar lander payloads, and construction of a large international radio telescope. New initiatives also support small unmanned manufacturing platforms and commercialization of space technologies.

In aviation, the agency focuses on eco-friendly and intelligent aircraft technologies, as well as future air mobility. Budgets cover drone-robot linked urban cargo delivery, development of superalloy materials for aero-engines, stratospheric drone demonstration, electrified aircraft engine technologies, AI safety assurance for aviation, and sustainable aircraft materials.

Through these detailed project investments, the Aerospace Agency aims to achieve technological self-reliance, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and facilitate the transition to a private-sector-led space economy.

연 18.9% '쿠팡 판매자 성장대출', 금감원 검사 전환 검토

ET News | Local Language | News | Jan. 5, 2026 | Regulatory Enforcement Actions

The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) is considering upgrading its on-site inspection to a formal examination of Coupang Financial’s “Coupang Seller Growth Loan,” which charges a maximum annual interest rate of 18.9% to marketplace sellers. The review focuses on whether the loan product’s structure and risk disclosures were appropriate, amid concerns about consumer protection violations rather than the interest rate itself, which is within the legal 20% cap. A key issue under scrutiny is the collateral arrangement, where in the event of default, Coupang Financial can claim sellers’ settlement proceeds from Coupang and Coupang Pay directly.

The loan agreement allows repayment amounts based on a contractual ratio of up to 20% of sales per settlement cycle, with a minimum repayment requirement every three months. If sellers fail to meet these conditions, the lender can recover outstanding amounts by using sellers’ settlement claims as collateral. Financial authorities are investigating whether sellers were adequately informed about the risks and the collateralized nature of the product, and whether it was misleadingly presented as an unsecured personal loan.

Coupang argues the loan product supports "mutual growth," targeting small and medium-sized merchants and those with low credit who struggle to access traditional financing. It emphasizes that repayments are linked to sales levels, allowing flexibility to avoid delinquencies even when sales decrease. Meanwhile, the FSS has extended its on-site inspection of Coupang Pay by one week due to a personal information leak and may also escalate that to a formal examination if violations are found.

The Coupang case highlights increasing financial risks related to big tech companies, prompting discussions on potential regulatory measures for large retail platforms. FSS Governor Lee Chan-jin announced intentions to collaborate with relevant agencies on institutional improvements and a supervisory framework for such platforms akin to that applied to financial institutions.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Jan. 5, 2026 | North Korea

North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the East Sea on Sunday morning, marking its first ballistic missile launch of 2026 and the first since a short-range missile was fired on November 7, 2025. The launch was confirmed by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

The missile launch coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's departure for a four-day state visit to China, invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The upcoming Seoul-Beijing summit is expected to address North Korea's denuclearization.

The launch occurred shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the military ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday.