Kang Hoonshik Urges Thorough Preparation in Economy and Security Ahead of South Korea-US Summit

At the Chief Aides' Meeting...
"Prepare to Prevent Additional Damage from Heavy Rain"

On August 4, Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoonshik emphasized the need for thorough preparation in the fields of economy and security ahead of the upcoming South Korea-US summit, stating, "As this will be the first meeting between the leaders of South Korea and the United States, meticulous preparation in both economic and security areas is essential."

Yonhap News Agency

Presidential Office Spokesperson Kang Yujeong delivered this message during a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office that afternoon, noting, "The 6th Chief Aides' Meeting was held under the leadership of Chief Kang."

Chief Kang also pointed out that heavy rains overnight had resulted in casualties and displaced persons, and that localized heavy rainfall was expected again that day. He instructed that all available resources?including local governments, police, fire departments, community patrols, and volunteer fire brigades?should be fully mobilized in the forecasted areas to ensure thorough preemptive evacuation.

Spokesperson Kang explained, "(Chief Kang) specifically instructed the relevant local governments to take thorough precautions to prevent additional damage such as landslides in the areas affected by heavy rains at the end of July." She added, "(Chief Kang) also emphasized that, even while President Lee Jaemyung is on vacation, the government's disaster response system is operating 24 hours a day, and that there must be no negligence in protecting the lives and safety of the people, which is the nation's top priority."