Prime Minister Jeong's Earnest Request: "Please Stay Home During Chuseok"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 29th, "This Chuseok is about enduring longing as filial piety, and enduring frustration is the wisest choice," adding, "If anyone is still considering visiting their hometown or traveling, I earnestly ask you to stay at home as a final request."

At the 50th Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, Prime Minister Chung said, "Normally, this holiday would be exciting, but now it feels like walking on thin ice."

He also urged some groups that have not withdrawn their intention to hold a rally on National Foundation Day, saying, "A single day of assembly could become a disaster that destroys the hard-won dam of quarantine. The government will block illegal assemblies at the source."

He added, "If they insist on holding the assembly, please keep in mind that the government will have no choice but to use all legal means to protect the lives and safety of the people."

Prime Minister Chung stated, "The 4th supplementary budget (supplementary budget) is expected to be executed over 70% by today, the day before the Chuseok holiday, and especially, the New Hope Fund for small business owners has supported about 1.9 trillion won to a total of 1.76 million people as of yesterday," and instructed, "Relevant ministries should continue to focus their efforts on providing sufficient guidance and prompt support to help as many people as possible."

He also said, "After the holiday, the National Assembly audit will begin. The 4th supplementary budget was a good example of cooperation where the government and the National Assembly worked together to support the people," adding, "I hope the audit will also be a place of cooperation where the government and the National Assembly review the year and gather wisdom to overcome the crisis."

Prime Minister Chung explained, "At today's Cabinet meeting, the promulgation bill of the 'Commercial Building Lease Protection Act,' which passed the National Assembly last week, will be submitted," adding, "Now tenants can request a rent reduction due to COVID-19, and from today, when the law takes effect, rent arrears for six months will not be grounds for contract termination."

He continued, "This is welcome news for tenants who had difficulty paying rent due to a sharp drop in sales, but there are also voices concerned about new conflicts," and urged, "The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport should minimize confusion through detailed guidance on the amended law and prompt dispute mediation."