Prime Minister Kim Min-seok announced that the government will enforce comprehensive measures to strengthen safety regulations for chemical products, in response to a protracted public health crisis resulting from toxic humidifier disinfectants.
During a policy coordination meeting with relevant ministers to address important state matters, Kim emphasized the government's highest policy priority of safeguarding the safety and well-being of the public.
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"As we learned from the tragedy of humidifier disinfectant, there must be no blind spots in not only preventing incidents involving chemical products but also in responding after the incident," Kim says.
In 2011, there were reports from consumers linking deaths and illnesses to the use of humidifier disinfectants, which are commonly used in households during dry winters.
Subsequently, a probe led by the government validated this association, resulting in the official recognition of over 5,000 individuals as victims. He further elaborated on the prospects of various industries in Korea, underscoring the significance of advancing fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cultural content, defense, and energy.
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Kim observed that South Korea was able to reach $700 billion in export revenue last year due to the success of the "K-brand" trend, however, she acknowledged that the present circumstances do not allow for any sense of satisfaction or self-congratulation.
Korea achieved record-breaking export numbers last year, totaling $709.7 billion, driven primarily by the strong performance of key export products like semiconductors, automobiles, and ships, as well as the expansion of smaller industries such as agro-fisheries and cosmetics.
Previously, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok convened with the policy leader of Japan's governing party to deliberate on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly focusing on opportunities for collaboration among the youth in both nations, as stated by his office. Kim mentioned that the upcoming visit by Takayuki Kobayashi, who is the chairperson of the Policy Research Council for the Liberal Democratic Party, holds particular significance in anticipation of President Lee Jae Myung's scheduled trip to Japan later this month.
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Kim's office emphasized the need to enhance collaboration wherever feasible, as stated in a formal press release. Kim expressed his specific interest in fostering economic and youth collaboration between the two nations, emphasizing his desire for Kobayashi to facilitate the enhancement of interactions between the youth of both countries, given Kobayashi's prominent role as an up-and-coming political figure in Japan.