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 High-Level Party-Government Council will focus on discussing structural reforms in the petrochemical and steel sectors.

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 High-Level Party-Government Council held on the 21st in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Prime Minister Kim stated, "Structural reforms in the petrochemical and steel sectors are inevitable," and added, "The government will support corporate innovation while also prioritizing the protection of workers and mitigating the impact on local economies."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, also emphasized, "Swift and bold structural reforms are 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 the contraction of local economies."

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 meeting the RE100 (100% renewable energy use) standard. The council also reviewed trends in the real estate market, particularly focusing on housing prices in the Seoul metropolitan area.

Prime Minister Kim stated, "We will closely monitor the current market situation and work together to devise feasible real estate stabilization measures tailored to the characteristics of each region." Leader Jeong also said, "We will closely examine the somewhat stabilizing housing market and promptly prepare necessary measures," adding, "The party and government will join forces to devise practical solutions to ensure stable housing for ordinary citizens."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kim expressed his regret over the opposition party's filibuster (unlimited debate) at the meeting. He said, "The passage of livelihood and economic bills, including the Special Semiconductor Act and bills aimed at ending the state of insurrection, has been delayed due to the filibuster, causing great disappointment among the public," and earnestly appealed, "I sincerely urge the National Assembly to come together to pass these livelihood bills."

Kang Hunsik, Chief Presidential Secretary, also remarked, "Among the bills pending in the National Assembly are those directly related to people's livelihoods that can no longer be delayed. These bills are intended to ease the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens and small business owners and to alleviate the hardships experienced by workers and local economies during the process of industrial transformation." He added, "The government is ready to implement policies swiftly," and called for the National Assembly's cooperation.