South Korea is experiencing a period of rapid transformation as it navigates demographic shifts, technological innovation, and bold political changes. From the influx of foreign residents and new approaches to elderly care, to sweeping reforms in animal welfare and government structure, the country is at a crossroads—balancing tradition with the demands of a modern, interconnected world.
In November 2025, the number of foreign nationals residing in South Korea with permits lasting more than 90 days for work or study surpassed 1.6 million, according to data from the Ministry of Justice reported by Yonhap News. This marks an 8% increase from the previous year, continuing a steady upward trend that has seen the foreign resident population climb from 1.1 million in 2021 and 1.3 million in 2023. The majority—about 54%—have settled in the sprawling Seoul metropolitan area, a magnet for opportunity and diversity.
Within the greater Seoul region, certain cities have emerged as hubs for these new arrivals. Hwaseong leads with 54,584 foreign residents, followed by Siheung with 42,159 and Ansan with 38,398, all located in Gyeonggi Province. The mosaic of nationalities is equally striking: Chinese citizens make up the largest group at 29.8%, trailed by Vietnamese at 18.4%, Nepalese at 5.5%, Uzbeks at 4.3%, and Cambodians at 4.1%. South Korea requires these residents to register and promptly report any change of address within 14 days, a measure aimed at maintaining social order and integration.
While South Korea’s urban centers grow more cosmopolitan, the country is also reckoning with long-standing cultural practices. Nowhere is this more evident than in the rapid decline of dog farms supplying meat for human consumption. As of December 21, 2025, 1,204 out of 1,537 registered dog meat farms—about 78%—had shuttered their operations, the Ministry of Agriculture told Nova News. This wave of closures comes in anticipation of a landmark law passed in August 2024, which mandates a gradual phase-out of dog farming for meat, culminating in a full ban by February 2027.
The acceleration of these shutdowns is driven by a confluence of factors: mounting public support for the ban, generous financial incentives for farmers willing to transition, and active local government engagement. Authorities are not only providing funding for those who switch to alternative forms of agriculture, but also offering consulting services and modernization grants. Regulatory inspections have been stepped up to discourage any attempts to resume the controversial practice. The government’s approach—combining carrots and sticks—reflects changing attitudes within Korean society, as well as a growing alignment with global animal welfare standards.
At the same time, South Korea is grappling with urgent demographic challenges, particularly the isolation of its rapidly aging population. According to a regional study cited by CNN, nearly ten elderly people die by suicide every day in the country—a staggering figure that underscores the depth of the crisis. To address this, companies like Hyodol are deploying innovative solutions that blend technology with compassion. Their answer: a 40-centimeter AI-powered doll designed to provide both companionship and basic medical support to seniors living alone.
These dolls, equipped with sensors, speakers, and artificial intelligence, interact with their owners both vocally and physically. They remind users to take medication, suggest gentle exercises, and offer memory games to help keep minds sharp. The doll’s childlike appearance is no accident. "The cute and comforting design of Hyodol was fundamental to its effectiveness," explained Jihee Kim, the company’s CEO, in comments to CNN. "Its childlike appearance helps build bonds and trust with elderly people. Its cuteness makes it easier for them to learn, especially since many are not comfortable with technology."
But Hyodol is keen to stress that technology should supplement, not supplant, human connection. "It’s not for everyone," Kim cautioned, emphasizing that the product is meant to support—not replace—personal care. This nuanced approach has sparked debate among specialists, some of whom worry about the risk of further isolating the elderly if human relationships are substituted with machines. Still, the growing popularity of such tools points to a new frontier in eldercare, where artificial intelligence stands as both a companion and a caregiver.
On the political front, South Korea is witnessing a shake-up in its approach to economic governance. On December 28, 2025, President Lee Jae Myung appointed former lawmaker Lee Hye-hoon as the nation’s first-ever budget minister, according to The Korea Herald. Lee will head the newly created Ministry of Planning and Budget, which officially launches on January 2, 2026. The move separates budgetary authority from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, signaling a commitment to greater oversight and specialization in fiscal matters. The new ministry will operate under the supervision of the prime minister.
Lee Hye-hoon brings a wealth of experience to the role. A three-term lawmaker, she was previously aligned with conservative parties that eventually merged into today’s People Power Party. Her academic credentials include degrees from Seoul National University and the University of California, Los Angeles, and she has served on both the Strategy and Finance Committee and the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts. Her background as a research fellow at the Korea Development Institute further underlines her expertise. In a statement released after her appointment, Lee said, "It is my long-held belief that the economy and people’s livelihoods are areas where we must come together beyond political divisions. I will devote my lifetime of experience to reviving the economy and fostering social cohesion."
The shake-up doesn’t stop there. President Lee also named former lawmaker Kim Song-sik as vice chair of the National Economic Advisory Council, which provides guidance on economic and development policy. Lee Kyung-soo, chairman of nuclear fusion startup Enable Fusion, was tapped as vice chair of the National Science and Technology Advisory Council, while Kim Jong-gu, a former head of food policy at the agriculture ministry, was appointed vice minister of land, infrastructure, and transport. Additional advisers were named for political and policy roles, reinforcing the administration’s focus on expertise and cross-party collaboration.
As South Korea heads into 2026, the nation stands at the intersection of demographic change, technological adaptation, and political reform. The choices made now—whether in welcoming foreigners, caring for the elderly, redefining animal welfare, or reimagining government—will shape the country’s trajectory for years to come. Change is in the air, and South Korea appears determined to meet it head-on.
