Hong Nam-ki Emphasizes Determination to Overcome Novel Coronavirus at Executive Meeting: "Bongsan Dog Also Crosses the Snowy Bridge"

Mention of the words spoken by Cao Cao after his defeat at the Battle of Red Cliffs
Special instructions include budget execution and real estate market monitoring

Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, is delivering opening remarks at a meeting with business leaders regarding the response to the novel coronavirus, held on the 7th at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] "Bongsan dogs also follow the saying 'Bongsan gaedo usugyo (逢山開道 遇水架橋).' When you meet a mountain, open a path; when you meet water, build a bridge."

Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, emphasized the determination to overcome the external adversities that have continued since the beginning of the year, such as the novel coronavirus infection and the Middle East situation.

On the afternoon of the 10th, at an expanded executive meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong, Deputy Prime Minister Hong referred to this saying by Cao Cao, who was defeated at the Battle of Red Cliffs in the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," urging officials to actively utilize various policy measures and work diligently with the attitude of overcoming the current difficulties such as the novel coronavirus and the Middle East situation through action. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Hong, was attended by the first and second vice ministers, first-level officials, and bureau chiefs of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

He particularly emphasized flexible and proactive budget support within the framework of major fiscal principles to ensure public safety and thorough quarantine related to the novel coronavirus. Deputy Prime Minister Hong said, "To minimize the economic ripple effects, devise support measures for damages, and sustain the momentum of economic recovery this year, I ask all Ministry of Economy and Finance staff to unite and devote full efforts," adding, "It is necessary to devise support measures for each industry, as well as special export support measures and implement three rounds of domestic demand activation measures."

Regarding major policies, including the eight task forces emphasized in the economic policy direction, he ordered close consideration to ensure timely responses without any blind spots in work, aiming for visible results.

Specifically, concerning current Ministry of Economy and Finance tasks, he highlighted special instructions such as ▲progress in first-quarter fiscal execution and discovery and promotion of 100 trillion won investment ▲monitoring and reporting recent real estate market trends including non-regulated areas and the jeonse market ▲predictable organization and preparation of industry measures, export measures, domestic demand measures, and small business owner measures related to the novel coronavirus to be announced in February to March.

Regarding personnel affairs at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, he mentioned that recent bureau chief appointments have been completed and section chief appointments will be implemented soon. He stated, "Wherever you are, I hope you work passionately on your assigned tasks and create policies through intense consideration and collaboration."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.