Minister Oh Youngju expressed her deep remorse and heavy sense of responsibility on the 19th regarding the declaration of a state of emergency that occurred on the 3rd, offering an official apology.
On the same day, Minister Oh attended a general meeting of the Industry, Trade, and Small and Medium Enterprises Committee held at the National Assembly, where she stated before the agenda report, "I sincerely apologize to the small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the small business owners, who are facing many difficulties due to the declaration of a state of emergency."
Minister Oh, who stated that she attended two Cabinet meetings regarding the declaration and lifting of the state of emergency, noted, "I received an urgent call to attend the Cabinet meeting held prior to the declaration of the state of emergency, but I arrived last and could not express my opinions." She added, "Before leaving that meeting, I expressed my concerns to the Prime Minister about the impact of the state of emergency on the livelihoods and conveyed my opposition to the declaration."
She continued, "After the National Assembly's resolution to lift the state of emergency, I attended the Cabinet meeting and agreed to the lifting of the state of emergency," and added, "Immediately after the declaration, I moved to my office, summoned key executives, and conducted four executive meetings starting with an emergency meeting at 1 a.m. on the 4th to check key issues until that weekend."
Minister Oh emphasized, "Despite the recent external circumstances, all employees of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups will do their best to minimize the impact on us," adding, "I have already expressed my intention to resign to the Prime Minister and will fulfill my responsibilities until the end, regardless of my position, so that small business owners and all citizens do not feel anxious."