Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, acting president, said on the 14th, "Based on past trade experience, I will fully utilize related networks and fulfill the last mission entrusted to me along with the ministers."
Acting Prime Minister Han said during the Cabinet meeting he presided over at the Government Seoul Building on that day, "The trade war initiated by the United States is in turmoil."
Acting Prime Minister Han noted, "Despite the United States' tough trade policies, it is showing flexibility regarding reciprocal tariffs and item-specific tariffs, and the trade response capabilities of each country are now put to the test." He added, "We have now entered a time for serious negotiations with the U.S. government. We must do our utmost to protect national interests by mobilizing the capabilities of both the government and the private sector."
He said, "What we need right now is a strong will to turn crisis into opportunity," and added, "The global trade war triggered by the United States can be an opportunity to improve the lives of our citizens and elevate the export competitiveness of 'trade powerhouse' South Korea, depending on how we respond now."
He also remarked, "Ministers, although there may be various difficulties such as concerns from stakeholders, please elaborate on strategic responses to various non-tariff barriers and cooperative projects raised by the U.S. with only national interests and the public in mind," adding, "Based on past trade experience, I will also fulfill the last mission entrusted to me, fully utilizing related networks along with the ministers."
As discussions of 'Han Duck-soo's dawning theory' are coalescing among the conservative camp ahead of the June 3rd presidential election, there are speculations that acting Prime Minister Han's mention of the "last mission" might actually be a declaration of his intention not to run. In response, an official from the Prime Minister's office said, "This is not a message of not running," adding, "Please understand it as a statement of intent to actively respond to tariffs."
Acting Prime Minister Han also instructed, "From today, the government-Q&A sessions in the National Assembly will begin for three days. Ministers, please clearly explain the government's efforts towards stable national governance regarding people's livelihoods, public safety, and trade response to the National Assembly and the public, and seek understanding."
He stated towards the National Assembly, "A significant number of bills necessary for stabilizing people's livelihoods and economic leap are pending in the National Assembly. Small and medium-sized enterprises, self-employed individuals, and export corporations are anxiously waiting for the passage of these bills," and he urged, "Please swiftly process the amendment to the 'Large Retail Business Act' for protecting small businesses that was revealed in the so-called 'T-mac incident,' along with the legislation of the 'Semiconductor Special Act' and the 'Nuclear Industry Support Special Act' for Korea's future food supply."
Acting Prime Minister Han also said, "A 'necessary supplementary budget plan' for response to disasters and strengthening trade and AI competitiveness, as well as support for livelihoods, is also scheduled to be submitted to the National Assembly soon," stating, "I hope that discussions on the supplementary budget can be proactively held and processed quickly, considering only people's livelihoods and the national economy, without any political considerations."
He further remarked, "Ministers, please cooperate actively with the National Assembly with a lower profile, and do your utmost to ensure that key bills in your departments are passed swiftly and that the supplementary budget is centered on the government’s proposal."
He noted, "Concerns from the public regarding various safety incidents, such as the recent string of airplane accidents, the collapse of a construction site on the Ansung Expressway, and sinkhole incidents in Gangdong-gu, are growing," adding, "The government believes it has an infinite responsibility for public safety."
He added, "Starting today, for two months, we will conduct 'focused safety inspections' on over 22,000 safety-vulnerable facilities nationwide, including construction sites and buildings," urging, "All officials from central ministries and local governments involved in this inspection, led by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, must conduct thorough safety inspections with extraordinary resolve and responsibility."