Abstract. In the first half of 2020, the Republic of Korea managed to achieve significant positive results in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, without postponing the holding of parliamentary elections and without resorting to harsh administrative measures. At the same time, the government relied on the broad support of the country’s population. However, a number of sectors of the economy, small and medium-sized businesses have felt the negative impact of the pandemic. The administration of President Moon Jae-In took measures to provide economic support to affected businesses and promoted the development of high-tech industries, including the medical industry and pharmaceuticals, whose products were exported. In the second half of 2020. South Korea has had to deal with the second wave of the pandemic amid growing social tensions.