Heated Debate Over Pros and Cons at Yoon Administration's First Regulatory Deliberation Meeting... Topic: 'Large Mart Operating Restrictions'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] The Regulatory Judgment Meeting, newly established under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, was held for the first time on the 4th. The topic was the regulation on operating restrictions for large supermarkets.

On the afternoon of the 4th, the Office for Government Policy Coordination held the first Regulatory Judgment Meeting at the Government Sejong Complex to discuss the regulation on operating restrictions for large supermarkets. The Regulatory Judgment Meeting is a forum led by a Regulatory Judgment Committee composed of about 100 private experts and field activists, gathering various opinions related to regulations.

At the meeting, both supporters and opponents of the regulation on operating restrictions for large supermarkets attended. The Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise, the National Merchants Federation, and the Korea Supermarket Cooperative Federation emphasized the necessity of the regulation to protect small business owners. On the other hand, the Federation of Korean Industries and the Korea Chain Store Association argued for the abolition or relaxation of the regulation.

Large supermarkets are required to close twice a month and are prohibited from operating from midnight to 10 a.m. under the operating restriction regulation implemented in 2012.

The Office for Government Policy Coordination stated, "Considering the high public interest and the complexity of stakeholders regarding the regulation on operating restrictions for large supermarkets, we plan to continue the meetings until alternatives are agreed upon after sufficient opinion gathering from large supermarkets and small business owners." From the 5th to the 18th, an online discussion involving the general public will also be held on the Regulatory Information Portal. Netizens will participate by posting comments expressing their support or opposition, along with reasons, evidence, and improvement plans. They can also reply to others' comments or show agreement by clicking 'Like.'

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasized on Facebook after the meeting, "This is not about deciding whether to improve immediately today or tomorrow," adding, "The Regulatory Judgment Meeting is a forum for listening to and sharing opinions to find a compromise." He continued, "Regarding the improvement of the regulation on operating restrictions for large supermarkets, we will listen thoroughly until a solution that satisfies both supporters and opponents is found."

Prime Minister Han stated, "Since every regulation exists for a reason, a very cautious approach is necessary when relaxing or improving regulations," and added, "However, regulations should not be considered untouchable to the extent that even discussion is opposed." He further said, "Regulatory innovation is not a zero-sum game of taking and losing but a win-win game where all stakeholders gather wisdom to create mutually beneficial alternatives," promising that the government will do its best to help the Regulatory Judgment system fulfill its role.

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