Chief Secretary Kang Hoonshik: "The Fight Against Inflation Begins Now"

Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoonshik Presides Over Senior Aides Meeting

"Block Excessive Price Hikes Using Rising International Oil Prices as an Excuse"

Kang Hoon-sik, Chief Secretary to the President, instructed related ministries on May 11 to "block excessive price increases that use rising international oil prices as a pretext, with the resolve that the war on inflation truly begins now."

On the same day, Ahn Gwi-ryeong, Deputy Spokesperson for the Blue House, stated in a written briefing that Chief Secretary Kang presided over a senior aides meeting and gave these instructions.

Kang Hoon-sik, Chief Secretary, is giving a briefing on the key achievements and promotion plans for 'Enhancing Public Service Competency' at the Blue House Chuncheon Press Center on April 29, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Kang analyzed that, although the implementation of the oil price ceiling had curbed the consumer price inflation rate to 2.6% in April, the sharp rise in international oil prices is likely to further drive up perceived inflation by increasing raw material and logistics costs.

He particularly mentioned that pork prices have risen by more than 8% compared to last year due to increases in global grain prices and feed costs, expressing concern that this could further increase the burden on ordinary citizens and vulnerable groups.

Accordingly, Chief Secretary Kang urged related ministries—including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries; the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety—as well as the Fair Trade Commission, to make every effort to stabilize prices for everyday necessities.

Chief Secretary Kang also expressed deep condolences regarding the incident on May 5, in which a teenage student was killed in the early morning hours and another teenage student who tried to intervene was seriously injured. He conveyed words of comfort and solidarity to students in the region who are grieving the loss of a friend and experiencing shock and anxiety, as well as to the bereaved family.

In addition, he reminded those present that statements calling for the strict punishment of the perpetrator are being issued, particularly by students in the area, and emphasized that this case must not be taken lightly under any circumstances.

Chief Secretary Kang instructed Jeon Seong-hwan, Senior Secretary for Social Integration, to meet directly with the bereaved family and the family of the injured student to deliver the government's condolences and to meticulously ensure that all necessary support and measures are provided promptly. Senior Secretary Jeon immediately left for the site to carry out these instructions.

In relation to this, Chief Secretary Kang directed the National Police Agency to conduct a thorough investigation, to strengthen patrols during times and at locations vulnerable to crime, and to establish special safety measures to ensure that students are not exposed to random crimes. This includes conducting day and night safety inspections along school routes and reinforcing security facilities.

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