Seoul: Sales of environment, social and governance (ESG) bonds in the Republic of Korea increased from a year earlier in 2024, driven by government-backed financial support, a report showed Tuesday. According to Emirates News Agency, a total of 47.2 trillion won (US$34.3 billion) worth of ESG bonds were issued last year, up 12.2 percent from the previous year. An ESG bond is a type of sustainability debt offering aimed at financing corporate activities in environmentally friendly and sustainable projects. The report attributed the rise in ESG bond issuance to government-led financial policies promoting green initiatives, reported Yonhap News Agency.