South Korea’s Minister of Economy and Finance Park Hong-keun said the 162.3 trillion won Future Response Fund could be depleted if future revenue and financing are insufficient, with its sustainability dependent on the semiconductor business cycle over the next three to five years. He said projects financed through the fund could continue receiving support from the general account or other funds if necessary, subject to the fund’s purpose and National Assembly review. Higher education investment will rise 18.4%, from 16.3 trillion won this year to 19.3 trillion won next year, including new funding for regional national universities, science and engineering infrastructure, and programs covered by the Education and Talent Account. The government also plans a 1.3 trillion won Regional Essential Medical Care Special Account, including locally designed healthcare projects, increased support for regional national university hospitals, and assistance for regional doctors. Park said education grant resources would remain in education and that the national budget would cover any shortfall caused by weaker tax revenue. He also said the proposed Busan Dome Arena is not yet a government plan.