Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said Monday the government is doing its utmost to manage prices ahead of the Chuseok holiday and is working to ensure the public faces no inconvenience.
Han made the remarks during a National Assembly interpellation session, responding to People Power Party lawmaker Kim Jang-gyeom, who asked whether the government had any bold measures to restore policy momentum ahead of Chuseok. Han said matters were under discussion, adding that "there appear to be things for President Lee Jae Myung to address."
When Kim asked whether the government planned to distribute livelihood support payments, Han said the payments issued last year had been meaningful in stimulating consumption, and that many overseas media outlets and research institutions had also recognized their effect.
On the recent slide in approval ratings for the government and the ruling party, Han said the administration must do its best to earn public trust where it falls short. "Nevertheless, I believe we must properly carry out the things we are doing and the matters we consider important," she said.
When Kim pointed out that presidential office aide Kim Hyun-ji, head of the secretariat, was being identified as the key figure behind personnel decisions, Han doubled down, saying the claim "is not true at all."
People Power Party lawmaker Seo Beom-su raised the controversy surrounding the second-term Cabinet reshuffle, asking whether the government was failing to heed public sentiment. Han said the administration was listening closely through approval ratings.
"We are listening, and we take it very seriously and gravely," Han added. "As prime minister, I am thinking very carefully about how much more I need to do and how hard I need to try."
When Seo asked whether Han, as the official who recommends ministerial appointments, intended to apologize over the withdrawal of Yong Hye-in as nominee for minister of gender equality and family, Han said the withdrawal was "the nominee's own decision," but added that once the final steps in the process were complete, any problems with the recommendation would be addressed.
Seo also noted that the posts of national police chief and prosecutor general had been vacant for an extended period. Han said suitable candidates would be appointed in line with the reform of the criminal justice system, adding that the appointments "will now proceed quickly."
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