The Yoon administration has proposed a 3.7% decrease in funding for the unification ministry next year, singling out inter-Korean cooperation and support programs for the largest cuts in line with its focus on military deterrence of North Korea over dialogue.

The ministry’s budget proposal for 2025 calls for $1.16 billion (1.55 trillion won), revealing significant shifts in funding for inter-Korean relations and North Korean defector support programs. But it is still subject to National Assembly review from next week. 

The Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund will fall from $654 million (872 billion won) to $617 million (823 billion won). This decrease will