Additional COVID-19 Policies Imminent... Blue House "First Measures to Be Announced by End of February"

Kang Min-seok Spokesperson on the Need for Supplementary Budget: "Cannot Specify Details but Will Utilize All Authority"

[Asia Economy Reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Son Seon-hee] Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated on the 18th that regarding President Moon Jae-in's directive at the Cabinet meeting to use all possible means to respond to the 'Novel Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19)', "We will work with the goal of presenting policies as quickly as possible," adding, "The first set of measures will likely be announced by the end of February."

At a meeting with reporters that afternoon, Spokesperson Kang added, "After announcing the first measures, we will consider additional policy measures while monitoring the economic situation."

President Moon Jae-in held a Cabinet meeting on the 18th and ordered the government to take extraordinary measures in response to COVID-19.
[Photo by Cheong Wa Dae]

When asked whether the extraordinary measures mentioned by President Moon referred to a supplementary budget (추경), Spokesperson Kang responded, "We cannot specifically say it is a supplementary budget," explaining, "Each ministry will be allowed to utilize all the authority given to the President and the government." He further explained that since President Moon emphasized that timing is crucial for policies, the government will act accordingly.

Spokesperson Kang said, "President Moon used the word 'special measures' twice. We must take special measures. This is directly related to the recognition of the current situation. The answer is all contained in his remarks," adding, "He used the term 'emergency economic situation.' The situation is serious. Rather than just serious, it reflects an awareness of an extraordinary situation and emphasizes the attitude needed to overcome it."

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