The presidential office dismissed the idea of formulating an extra budget on January 15, stating, "There has been no review of an additional supplementary budget."
The Office of the Presidential Spokesperson issued a press release that afternoon, clarifying, "The President's remarks during the senior aides meeting regarding the cultural budget were intended to emphasize the fundamental need for support in the cultural and arts sectors."
Earlier, Kang Yoojeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, said during a briefing at Chunchugwan that President Lee Jaemyung, while presiding over the senior aides meeting, stated, "We must revitalize the foundation of culture and the arts, even if it means formulating a supplementary budget."
President Lee pointed out, "There are far too few people responsible for cultural and arts administration, and public-private cooperation is also lacking. An increase in the budget and more private investment are urgently needed."
However, Spokesperson Kang explained during the briefing, "The President's remarks were not so much an instruction to pursue a supplementary budget, but rather an emphasis on the need for greater support."
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