In a written briefing on a senior aides meeting chaired by Kang, Cheong Wa Dae Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong said Kang emphasized that officials must strictly refrain from any act that could influence the election.
Kang said election-related involvement by public officials could undermine the fairness of the vote and public trust. He urged thorough oversight and inspections by relevant agencies, including the senior civil affairs office and police, to prevent violations of election law by public officials.
Kang also addressed market-disrupting conduct such as hoarding as the Middle East war entered its 59th day.
He said the government is securing alternative supply lines for crude oil and naphtha and has imposed anti-hoarding measures on closely related daily necessities, including petroleum products, urea solution and syringes. Kang said overall order has been maintained, but some cases of “antisocial behavior” aimed at making money have been found.
He warned that the government will further strengthen inspections of unfair practices that exploit the crisis and respond forcefully to violations through swift investigations, strict punishment and the maximum level of administrative sanctions.
Earlier, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety found 32 distributors of syringes and needles suspected of hoarding, and the Industry Ministry’s nationwide inspections of gas stations confirmed 99 violations, including stockpiling and sales of counterfeit oil.
Kang also said applications for high oil price relief payments for basic livelihood recipients, near-poverty households and single-parent families began Sunday. He called for cooperation between relevant ministries and local governments to ensure the payments are carried out without disruption.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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