South Korea's government released its proposed greenhouse gas reduction framework on 6 November, triggering immediate backlash from opposing camps, who claim the targets either fall short of climate imperatives or place excessive burdens on key industries.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment outlined two pathways for the country's 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): reducing emissions by 50—60% below 2018 levels, or pursuing a moderately more ambitious target range of 53—60%.

Environmental advocates have condemned the proposal as a step backward from earlier climate commitments, while industrial sector representatives warn the requirements remain economically unfeasible for manufacturers already facing competitive pressures.

A final decision on which target range to adopt is expected within days, following deliberations by the presidential 2050 Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth Commission and subsequent Cabinet approval. South Korea plans to formally present its chosen target at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled for Belem, Brazil.

Climate Minister Kim Sung-whan defended the approach as an attempt to navigate sharply conflicting demands. ‘We have worked to establish a balanced objective grounded in scientific evidence while remaining economically practical,’ Kim stated, noting that civil society organisations are pushing for reductions of at least 61%, whereas industry coalitions argue that even a 48% cut would prove unsustainable.