Ace Korean News: Major Ministries!

👋 Introduction

Hello! It’s [Daily Hangeul] here to upgrade your Korean!

Are you interested in how Korean society works? Today, we are diving into a slightly more advanced but incredibly useful topic: The Executive Branch and its Ministries.

You might think politics is difficult, but nowadays in Korea, discussing government policies—especially regarding housing, employment, and culture—is very common among friends and colleagues. Also, if you enjoy watching political K-Dramas like Designated Survivor: 60 Days (60일, 지정생존자) or Chief of Staff (보좌관), knowing these terms will make the show 100 times more exciting!

Let’s learn how to talk about who is “in charge” of what in the Korean government. Ready to sound like a local intellectual? Let’s go! 🚀

📚 Key Expressions

Here are 4 essential expressions to discuss government functions.

1. 담당하다

• Pronunciation: [damdanghada]
• English Meaning: To be in charge of / To be responsible for
• Detail: This is a B2-level verb essential for workplace and formal discussions. You use it to explain the role of a person or a department.
  • Example: “Who is in charge of this project?” (이 프로젝트는 누가 담당해요?)
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  Pronounce the ‘ㅁ(m)’ and ‘ㅇ(ng)’ clearly! Unlike English, Korean consonants in the final position (Batchim) are not released. Make sure your lips close fully for ‘ㅁ’.

2. 법무부

• Pronunciation: [beommubu]
• English Meaning: Ministry of Justice
• Detail: This ministry handles laws, prosecution, and immigration. If you are dealing with visas, you are dealing with the MoJ.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  Wait, why is it [beommubu] and not [beop-mu-bu]?
  This is a rule called Nasal Assimilation. When a stop sound like ‘ㅂ(b/p)’ meets a nasal sound like ‘ㅁ(m)’, the ‘ㅂ’ changes into a ‘ㅁ’ sound for smoother flow.
  • Beop + mu = Beom-mu (Try saying it fast, it’s much easier!)

3. 보건복지부

• Pronunciation: [bogeonbokjibu]
• English Meaning: Ministry of Health and Welfare
• Detail: This ministry has been the center of attention recently due to public health policies. They handle hospitals, medical policies, and social welfare.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  The word is long, so rhythm is key! Break it down: [Bo-geon] (Health) + [Bok-ji] (Welfare) + [Bu] (Ministry). Make sure to pronounce the ‘ㄱ(k)’ in ‘복(bok)’ sharply before saying ‘지(ji)’.

4. 정책을 수립하다

• Pronunciation: [jeongchaegeul suripada]
• English Meaning: To establish/formulate a policy
• Detail: A sophisticated phrase used in news and formal reports. Instead of just saying “making a plan,” use “establishing a policy” to sound professional.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip:
  Linking (Liaison): When ‘책(chaek)’ meets ‘을(eul)’, the ‘ㄱ’ moves over. It sounds like [jeong-chae-geul].
  Also, ‘립(rip)’ followed by ‘하(ha)’ creates an aspirated sound in the verb ending, sounding like [su-ri-pa-da].

🗣️ Real-Life Dialogue

Let’s see how these words are used in a conversation about current news.

(Context: Jason and Minji are discussing a news report about K-Pop culture support.)

Jason: 민지 씨, 오늘 뉴스 봤어요? 정부에서 K-pop 지원을 늘린대요.
(Minji, did you see the news today? They say the government is increasing support for K-pop.)

Minji: 정말요? 어느 부처에서 담당하는 일이에요?
(Really? Which ministry is in charge of that?)

Jason: 문화체육관광부요! 새로운 문화 정책을 수립했다고 들었어요.
(The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism! I heard they established a new culture policy.)

Minji: 아, 그렇군요! 한국 문화를 알리는 데 큰 도움이 되겠네요.
(Ah, I see! That will be a big help in promoting Korean culture.)

🇰🇷 Culture Tip & Trend Analysis

“The Era of Yongsan (용산 시대)”

In the past, when Koreans talked about the President or the center of the Executive Branch, they used the word “Cheongwadae (Blue House).” You might have heard phrases like “The Blue House announced…” in older dramas.

However, a major trend shift occurred recently! The presidential office moved from the Blue House to Yongsan (Seoul). Now, news anchors say “The Presidential Office in Yongsan (용산 대통령실)” instead of “The Blue House.”

Also, when reading Korean news titles, ministries are often abbreviated to save space:
* Ministry of Education (교육부): Often just referred to as ‘교육’ in headlines.
* Ministry of Foreign Affairs (외교부): Referred to as ‘외교’.

Knowing these abbreviations will help you scan Naver News like a pro! 📰

📝 Wrap-up & Practice

Today, we learned how to discuss the Executive Branch and its ministries. Using words like “담당하다” (to be in charge of) and “정책” (policy) will instantly make your Korean sound more intellectual and mature (B2 Level).

Let’s practice! Fill in the blank:

1. Visas and immigration are handled by the [ ______ ]. (Hint: Ministry of Justice)
2. The pronunciation of 법무부 is not [beopmubu], but [ ______ ].

Answer in the comments below! 👇
If you want to know the Korean name of a specific ministry in your country, ask me in the comments too!

See you in the next lesson! 안녕히 계세요! (Goodbye!)