Prime Minister Kim: "Restructuring in Petrochemicals and Steel Inevitable... Focus on Protecting Workers"

Expresses Regret Over Opposition Filibuster

Prime Minister Kim Minseok announced that the issue of restructuring in the petrochemical and steel sectors would be a primary focus at the High-Level Party-Government Council.

Prime Minister Kim Minseok is delivering opening remarks at the High-Level Party-Government Council held on the 21st in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

At the council held on the 21st in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Prime Minister Kim stated, "Restructuring in the petrochemical and steel sectors is unavoidable," adding, "The government will support corporate innovation while also prioritizing the protection of workers and mitigating the impact on regional economies."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, also emphasized, "Swift and bold restructuring is necessary to ensure the sustainability of industries such as petrochemicals and steel," but added, "It is equally important to implement measures that protect local communities and workers to prevent job losses and economic downturns in the regions."

In addition, the council discussed the progress of the "Special Act on Renewable Energy Self-Sufficient Cities," which aims to prepare for an energy transition centered on renewable energy, as well as the development of industrial complexes for RE100 (100% renewable energy use). Trends in the real estate market, particularly housing prices in the Seoul metropolitan area, were also reviewed.

Prime Minister Kim said, "We will closely monitor the current market situation and work together to devise practical measures to stabilize the real estate market tailored to the characteristics of each region." Jeong Cheongrae also stated, "We will carefully observe the somewhat stabilizing housing market and prepare timely measures as needed," adding, "The party and government will work together to devise effective solutions for ensuring housing stability for ordinary citizens."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kim also expressed regret over the opposition party's filibuster (a legal delay of proceedings through unlimited debate). He said, "The passage of key bills related to the people's livelihoods, including the Special Act on Semiconductors and legislation aimed at concluding the state of insurrection, has been delayed due to the filibuster, causing significant disappointment among the public," and earnestly appealed, "I sincerely ask the National Assembly to work together to pass these livelihood-related bills."

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hunsik also remarked, "Among the bills pending in the National Assembly, there are those directly tied to the people's livelihoods that can no longer be postponed. These include bills aimed at easing the difficulties of ordinary citizens and small business owners, as well as alleviating the hardships faced by workers and regional economies during industrial transformation." He added, "The government is ready to implement these policies swiftly," and requested the National Assembly's cooperation.