Concerns Over Mass Layoffs at Eastar... Jeong Sye-gyun: "Will Support Within Legal and Institutional Frameworks"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 24th regarding the Eastar Jet crisis, where concerns about mass layoffs have arisen after Jeju Air gave up on the acquisition, "We will make realistic efforts within the limits allowed by laws and regulations," but also noted, "There are aspects where it is difficult for the government to take full responsibility."

During the National Assembly's government questioning session that day, he responded this way to Justice Party lawmaker Kang Eun-mi's remark that "the government should actively find a solution on the condition that the founding family relinquishes all shares."

He said, "The relevant ministries will thoroughly explore whether unemployment education, job transitions, or other necessary measures can be taken and provide maximum support," but also added, "There are aspects where it is difficult for the government to take full responsibility for corporate issues."

Regarding the criticism that Jeju Air was allocated 11 out of 25 route operation rights, raising concerns about preferential treatment, Prime Minister Chung replied, "I am not sure if other considerations were involved at that time, but if the allocation of many routes to Jeju Air was made with M&A in mind, it could be somewhat problematic."

Meanwhile, addressing concerns that the Korean New Deal might have upheld and reinforced the existing paradigm centered on large corporations, Prime Minister Chung said, "The Korean New Deal was not prepared over a long period. It was created by bringing out accumulated policies and gathering new wisdom," adding, "I do not think the plan is complete or perfect. We plan to maintain the framework while continuously supplementing it."

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