Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Wednesday ordered relevant government agencies to take swift action against fake news spreading about an alleged oil price surge linked to the Middle East conflict.
"We must take serious note of and swiftly act against behavior that stokes public anxiety and causes unnecessary disruption to the national economy," Kim said in his directive.
The Prime Minister's Office announced the directive through a press release the same day.
Kim instructed the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Financial Services Commission to "monitor in real time the current domestic market conditions and the supply, demand, and price status of energy and key consumer goods resulting from the Middle East war."
He also stressed that the ministries should "promptly and accurately explain the facts to the public regarding news that is untrue or exaggerated, including claims of 'shutdowns, crises, and shortages.'"
Kim additionally urged the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission, the National Police Agency, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to mount a thorough response to eradicate fake news related to the Middle East conflict.