Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated on the 19th regarding the allegations of 'giving away' during the negotiation process between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and the U.S. company Westinghouse for the export of Czech nuclear power plants, "I understand that a clear investigation has begun within the government."
During a meeting with the press corps held in the annex of the Government Seoul Complex on the same day, Prime Minister Kim noted, "We are closely monitoring the related situation."
When asked about the drop in the national approval ratings of the Lee Jae-myung government over the past two weeks since the inauguration of Democratic Party of Korea leader Jeong Cheong-rae, Prime Minister Kim responded, "I believe that the public has given us two clear demands: overcoming internal strife and, on the other hand, reviving livelihoods and the economy from a practical perspective." He added, "I think there is no other way but to consistently implement this."
He emphasized, "The president has often said that the final evaluation of this government will be judged on how the lives of the people have improved by the end of this government's term."
While mentioning the two-week mark since the inauguration of the ruling party leader, he said, "It seems that it is being talked about as if it sets a causal relationship," but added, "That doesn't seem to be entirely accurate."
In response to a question about how to implement business-friendly and labor-friendly policies amid the ruling party's efforts to push forward labor laws like the Yellow Envelope Act, he said, "Rather than a frame of being business-friendly or labor-friendly, we should now view it through the frame of 'pro-growth.'" He questioned, "Since the president has raised the issue of industrial accidents, can it simply be seen as pro-labor from a broader perspective? Can we advance to a developed economy based on K-democracy and K-culture while leaving behind such retrogressive issues?"
He added, "Now is a time when a change in industrial culture is necessary," asking, "Please view this as a process of adjusting aspects that do not match the overall level."
Regarding the situation where North Korea has not responded to the peace messages from the Lee Jae-myung government, he said, "How can we send only a single unified message in inter-Korean relations?" He noted, "We are also sending messages to create peace while training and evaluating North Korea from various aspects. We are sending complex messages, and the counterpart is also sending complex messages."
He added, "Please understand that we are working to send messages that can lead to peace while firmly safeguarding security."
Prime Minister Kim also revealed plans for a meeting with Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who is visiting Korea. He said, "I am scheduled to meet with Chairman Bill Gates, who is visiting Korea," adding, "There is a leading role for Korea on international issues. I understand that Chairman Gates wants to collaborate more with the Korean government, and we will discuss related matters."