Prime Minister Jeong says 'embarrassing' about Choo controversy... "Spoke as head overseeing the cabinet"

Regarding Achieving a Minimum Wage of 10,000 Won, "It Seems Practically Difficult"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is attending the government questioning session on diplomacy, unification, and security held at the National Assembly plenary session on the 15th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 16th regarding the allegations of preferential treatment in military service for the son of Justice Minister Chu Mi-ae, “I expressed my embarrassment to the public as the affairs of the children of cabinet members working with me have interfered with state affairs and caused disruptions in work performance,” adding, “I shared my reflections as the head of the cabinet, wishing that I could have focused on work without such issues.”

Prime Minister Chung made these remarks in response to a question from Im Eui-ja, a member of the People Power Party, during the government-related economic sector questioning session held at the National Assembly that day.

Regarding the possibility of achieving the 10,000 won minimum wage within the Moon Jae-in administration’s term, Prime Minister Chung said, “It seems practically difficult,” and expressed, “I apologize to the public for the difficulty in fulfilling this pledge.”

On the 'In-guk-gong incident,' he commented, “It is hard to say that the policy was perfect. However, I believe that efforts to continuously improve the quality of employment for workers in the Republic of Korea must be ongoing,” adding, “I regret that those implementing the policy could have been more competent.”