Prime Minister Kim Min-seok declared on May 31 that the government will "enter an emergency national governance review system to comprehensively inspect the economic emergency, safety issues, and policy implementation across all ministries."
Kim made the remarks while meeting reporters at the Government Complex Seoul, saying, "There are concerns that policy gaps could emerge as we simultaneously face an economic emergency caused by the Middle East crisis and the June 3 local elections."
"The economy was suddenly improving when the Iran situation arose. At times like this, the government needs to tighten up," Kim said. "I have ordered an emergency review across all ministries."
The prime minister particularly noted, "We need to examine how the management of daily necessities, including garbage bags, is being handled on the ground." He added, "I also plan to go around the field myself to tighten public service discipline."
Kim also emphasized his commitment to pursuing balanced regional development policies that will be launched in earnest after the local elections, including: △ creating 10 universities on par with Seoul National University, △ the second phase of public institution relocation, △ mega special zone regulatory reform, and △ the establishment of a Hyundai Motor complex industrial cluster in Saemangeum.
"In the case of the plan to create 10 Seoul National Universities, the basic framework has been completed and will be unveiled for discussion after the local elections," he said. "For the second phase of public institution relocation, internal discussions should take place before the elections so that implementation can begin immediately after."
Kim said youth issues are "the area I pay the most attention to," adding, "We are planning to hold a youth employment event called the 'Youth Mentoring Expo' in Seoul in May and are also pursuing a meeting with young National Assembly members from the People Power Party."