Handuksoo "Considering Raising the Elderly Age Standard from 65 to 75"

Statement on Review of Proposal by Korean Medical Association
Reaffirming Position that Ancestral Nationality during Japanese Occupation is Korean
North Korea's Deployment to Russia is a "Serious Issue"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo expressed on the 22nd that he would "consider" raising the age standard for the elderly. This was in response to the Korea Senior Citizens Association's request the day before to raise the age standard from 65 to 75.

On the same day, Prime Minister Han made these remarks during a regular back-briefing with the press corps held at the Government Complex Sejong. He shared the government's plans and his own thoughts while answering questions from reporters regarding various recent social discussions.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is speaking at a meeting with the press corps in the Prime Minister's Office press room at the Government Sejong Complex on the afternoon of the 22nd. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the incident on the 10th during the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee's audit of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, where Minister Kim Moon-soo was expelled for stating that ancestors during the Japanese colonial period had Japanese nationality, Prime Minister Han said, "The withdrawal of institutional witnesses is something never before experienced in the history of the National Assembly," adding, "It is regrettable that such an incident occurred from the executive branch." He further explained, "It is proper for the audit to focus on state affairs and the livelihood of the people."

He mentioned, "It is true that the nationality issue is controversial," but added, "considering the constitutional spirit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' stance, and the policies confirmed at the Cabinet meeting regarding treaties made with foreign countries during the Korean Empire, the previous position remains unchanged." Earlier, during the full session of the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Special Committee last month, when an opposition lawmaker asked about the nationality of ancestors during the Japanese colonial period, he had said, "Of course, Korean nationality."

Regarding the audit, Prime Minister Han also said, "I hope the question and answer system operates well." He explained that this is "a matter of respect for the people." He stated, "Lawmakers asking questions may think answers are unnecessary, but from the public's perspective, government responses are often needed," and added, "Asking whether ministers who appear as witnesses should respond is not a good scene for the public or future generations."

Concerning the proposal made by Lee Joong-geun, president of the Korea Senior Citizens Association, who suggested raising the elderly age standard from 65 to 75 upon his inauguration the day before, Prime Minister Han said, "We see it as an important item and will consider it." He elaborated, "Economic experts say that how to utilize women and the elderly is very important in increasing the country's growth potential," and "It is necessary to carefully review what the Korea Senior Citizens Association, the party concerned, has raised."

Regarding North Korea's dispatch of troops to Russia, Prime Minister Han said, "It is a serious issue that North Korea has sent not only weapons support but also combat personnel," adding, "It is right for us to do what is necessary while consulting with the international community." He continued, "I understand that the President has spoken with the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)," and added, "Our intelligence authorities assess that there is a dispatch of troops."

On the issue of the delivery application (app) commission fee agreement, where the 'Delivery Platform and Tenant Coexistence Council' is operating but struggling to narrow differences, Prime Minister Han expressed the opinion, "Since discussions are scheduled until the end of this month, it would be best if there is a possible agreement." He added, "If such things become difficult, there is the Fair Trade Commission, which has handled many such matters, and the government can play a kind of supporting role."

Regarding the ruling and opposition parliamentary consultative body launching next week, Prime Minister Han explained, "There will be difficult issues, but we will listen to the medical community and proceed." He said, "(The Korea Medical Association) is being discussed to be included," and "although the entire medical community will not be involved at the start, I expect that the medical community will likely discuss the government's reform programs together with the ruling and opposition parties and the government."