Cheong "Ulsosu Crisis, Hard to Be Optimistic but Fully Committed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] As the government announced on the 10th a measure to import 2 to 3 months' worth of urea from China, the Blue House sought to calm public anxiety regarding the urea solution crisis by stating, "It is difficult to be optimistic, but we are making every effort."

In a briefing on the same day, a Blue House official responded to a reporter's question about whether the urea solution crisis would be resolved with today's measures by saying, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that procedures to import 18,700 tons of urea from China are underway, and we expect more good news to follow."

The official explained, "We have established an intergovernmental response system and are making diplomatic efforts with various countries, while also systematically working to find alternative domestic supply sources. There are government ministry meetings chaired by the Deputy Minister of Strategy and Finance, a task force (TF) led by the Blue House Economic Secretary, a Foreign Economic Security Strategy Meeting chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister for Economy, and the National Security Council (NSC) in operation. Sometimes joint meetings are held as well, and we are making every effort."

However, some point out that the current measures do not specify exactly how much quantity will arrive and when, which may prolong public anxiety for the time being. In response to this criticism, the Blue House official said, "The government ministries' TF holds daily meetings, and ongoing matters such as quantities and timing will be disclosed promptly. While it is difficult to be optimistic, we are making every effort and receiving positive news as well."

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