Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Ku Yun-cheol said he would reach a conclusion regarding the controversy over the taxation standards for capital gains on major shareholders within this month. Plans to expand the supply of dwellings in the housing market will be announced separately on the afternoon of the 7th.
On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Ku appeared on KBS's 'Sunday Diagnosis Live' and said, "The key to economic growth is in the growth of corporations and the revitalization of the capital market," adding, "I will listen to the concerns of the people and make a decision as soon as possible. It could be within this month."
He continued, "The government is prioritizing the stabilization of the housing market," stating, "There are limits to only demand suppression measures, so this time we will announce supply measures centered around construction standards. We will also shorten subsequent procedures as much as possible to ensure dwellings are supplied quickly."
He also mentioned that regarding U.S. authorities cracking down on illegal residents at the Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution plant in Georgia, "If there is a part where the Ministry of Economy and Finance should intervene, we will actively collaborate."
Regarding prices, he stated, "Overall prices are fluctuating around 2%, but living expenses such as agricultural, livestock, and fishery products, processed foods, and dining costs are still an issue," adding, "We will present comprehensive measures, including improvements to the distribution structure, through autumn holiday pricing policies."
Deputy Prime Minister Ku introduced how his personal network with U.S. Department of Commerce officials during the ongoing Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations in Washington, D.C., was helpful, mentioning his experience of meeting directly with President Donald Trump.
Regarding the fiscal situation, Deputy Prime Minister Ku said, "I will not say that the national debt is fine," adding, "However, if we tighten spending in the face of declining growth rates, the deficit ratio could increase. I will boldly invest in future growth engines such as artificial intelligence (AI), even if it means accepting a short-term increase in debt."
On the prospects for a supplementary budget for the third additional budget, Deputy Prime Minister Ku drew the line by saying, "As of now, there are no plans," and regarding the issue of extending the retirement age, he noted, "The direction is correct, but social consensus and understanding are necessary."
In response to the business sector's criticisms of "excessive regulation on large corporations," he added, "We are studying a system that provides incentives based on growth outcomes rather than a tiered regulation by scale."