Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said on the 22nd, 'We will focus investments on the budget related to nuclear research and development to strengthen energy security.'
Acting Prime Minister Han noted during the 18th Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office that 'there was good news that the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute consortium signed an initial design contract with the University of Missouri in the United States.'
He said, 'The significance is very great in that our country, which introduced a research reactor from the United States in 1959, has accumulated world-class nuclear technology through continuous research and development and has re-exported it to the United States, the birthplace of nuclear power.'
Acting Prime Minister Han said, 'The scientific and technological cooperation between South Korea and the United States serves as a case that dispels past concerns and is firmly being realized,' and added, 'We will do our best to support our corporations and researchers to lead global nuclear technology.'
He also said, 'Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duck-geun will depart to discuss trade issues and cooperation projects related to shipbuilding and energy with the United States.' He expressed hope that 'based on open dialogue and cooperation between the economic and trade leaders of both countries, we expect to find solutions that are mutually beneficial.'
Acting Prime Minister Han noted, 'The recovery of domestic demand is delayed, global trade uncertainties are increasing, and the difficulties faced by people and corporations are intensifying,' adding, 'I feel very apologetic and saddened as the acting prime minister that the improvement in the real economy remains slow.'
He emphasized regulatory innovation to each minister. Acting Prime Minister Han explained, 'Regulatory innovation, which enhances corporations' autonomy, boosts investment motivation, and alleviates unnecessary burdens on the people, is indeed the shortcut to revitalizing the economy and the most effective policy tool for reducing financial burdens.'
Acting Prime Minister Han also said, 'Today marks the 115th day since the 'Jeju Air passenger plane disaster' occurred,' adding, 'I pray for the souls of the victims who passed away in the plane disaster and extend my deepest condolences to the victims and the bereaved families.'
He said, 'The “Special Act on Relief and Support for the Victims of the Dec. 29 Airplane Disaster” will be promulgated today after going through Cabinet deliberation,' and noted, 'This special act includes various support measures for the prompt recovery of the bereaved families, as well as measures to commemorate victims and support community recovery.'
Regarding the major wildfires that occurred in Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan, he said, 'The damage support measures must be executed as quickly as possible,' and urged, 'Each ministry should implement the promised support measures for affected residents, such as emergency management stabilization funds, restoration of livestock barns, and free rental of agricultural machinery, as soon as possible.'