Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated on June 16 that protecting citizens' voting rights must go hand in hand with respecting and safeguarding democratic order. He emphasized that the government would respond decisively to illegal activities.
During the opening remarks at the State Council and Emergency Economic Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Building, Kim noted that the Jamsil Olympic Park handball stadium has been blocked for over ten days.
He acknowledged the public's legitimate concerns regarding infringements on their voting rights, saying, "We humbly listen to and respect these issues. However, it is unacceptable for some participants to infringe upon the rights of others under the pretext of these circumstances."
Kim described the actions as serious illegal acts that are entirely unrelated to the purpose of the protests, stating, "It is absolutely intolerable to personally control individuals who have access rights under any circumstances."
He questioned, "Why would the sports association request the deployment of public authority? Why should I undergo security checks when entering my own office? How can fencing athletes perform if they are prevented from taking out their swords? Moreover, the ballot counting at the site has already concluded, hasn't it?"
Kim asserted, "There is no justification for blocking legitimate passage, and the government will respond firmly to these illegal actions."
He urged the police to take immediate action against illegal actors according to the law and principles, and to thoroughly document any suspected illegal activities for accountability.
In addition, Kim addressed the situation in the Middle East, stressing the need to remain vigilant. He noted that the recent easing of tensions followed the conclusion of ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, which have been ongoing for over 100 days since late February. However, he pointed out that there are still discrepancies between the U.S. and Iran regarding key issues, including passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
"Above all, I urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to maintain close cooperation with relevant countries to ensure the safe return of 24 of our ships and their crews in the Strait of Hormuz," he said.
He also called on the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Financial Services Commission to closely monitor the rapidly changing local situation, particularly in light of the ceasefire negotiations, and to prepare measures that will help normalize domestic industrial activities and citizens' lives.
Furthermore, with the launch of Gwangju Metropolitan City in Jeollanam-do just two weeks away, Kim requested that the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and other relevant agencies maintain close collaboration with local governments to ensure thorough preparations, including the integration of civil complaint systems and the establishment of local regulations.
Kim plans to visit Gwangju later in the afternoon to assess the readiness for the upcoming launch.
Meanwhile, the State Council reviewed and approved 28 presidential decrees, including amendments to the Construction Industry Basic Act. The amendments remove the cap on rewards for reporting unfair practices, currently set at 2 million won, and strengthen penalties for construction companies involved in illegal subcontracting, including restrictions on participation in public construction projects and business suspensions.
The council also passed an amendment to the Meteorological Act, which introduces a new "serious warning" level for heatwave alerts and adds a "tropical night warning" category.
During the opening remarks at the State Council and Emergency Economic Headquarters meeting at the Government Seoul Building, Kim noted that the Jamsil Olympic Park handball stadium has been blocked for over ten days.
He acknowledged the public's legitimate concerns regarding infringements on their voting rights, saying, "We humbly listen to and respect these issues. However, it is unacceptable for some participants to infringe upon the rights of others under the pretext of these circumstances."
Kim described the actions as serious illegal acts that are entirely unrelated to the purpose of the protests, stating, "It is absolutely intolerable to personally control individuals who have access rights under any circumstances."
He questioned, "Why would the sports association request the deployment of public authority? Why should I undergo security checks when entering my own office? How can fencing athletes perform if they are prevented from taking out their swords? Moreover, the ballot counting at the site has already concluded, hasn't it?"
Kim asserted, "There is no justification for blocking legitimate passage, and the government will respond firmly to these illegal actions."
He urged the police to take immediate action against illegal actors according to the law and principles, and to thoroughly document any suspected illegal activities for accountability.
In addition, Kim addressed the situation in the Middle East, stressing the need to remain vigilant. He noted that the recent easing of tensions followed the conclusion of ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, which have been ongoing for over 100 days since late February. However, he pointed out that there are still discrepancies between the U.S. and Iran regarding key issues, including passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
"Above all, I urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to maintain close cooperation with relevant countries to ensure the safe return of 24 of our ships and their crews in the Strait of Hormuz," he said.
He also called on the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Financial Services Commission to closely monitor the rapidly changing local situation, particularly in light of the ceasefire negotiations, and to prepare measures that will help normalize domestic industrial activities and citizens' lives.
Furthermore, with the launch of Gwangju Metropolitan City in Jeollanam-do just two weeks away, Kim requested that the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and other relevant agencies maintain close collaboration with local governments to ensure thorough preparations, including the integration of civil complaint systems and the establishment of local regulations.
Kim plans to visit Gwangju later in the afternoon to assess the readiness for the upcoming launch.
Meanwhile, the State Council reviewed and approved 28 presidential decrees, including amendments to the Construction Industry Basic Act. The amendments remove the cap on rewards for reporting unfair practices, currently set at 2 million won, and strengthen penalties for construction companies involved in illegal subcontracting, including restrictions on participation in public construction projects and business suspensions.
The council also passed an amendment to the Meteorological Act, which introduces a new "serious warning" level for heatwave alerts and adds a "tropical night warning" category.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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