Prime Minister Kim: "With Ceasefire Deadline Near, Emergency System to Remain Firm... 'Speed' Is Key for Wartime Supplementary Budget"

by Son Seonhee

Published 21 Apr.2026 12:10(KST)

Updated 21 Apr.2026 16:06(KST)

17th Cabinet Meeting and 8th Emergency Economic Headquarters Meeting

Prime Minister Minseok Kim stated on the 21st, "With the ceasefire deadline between the United States and Iran approaching and ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East, the government will firmly maintain the current emergency economic response system." He also requested that the supplementary budget execution, including the disbursement of high oil price relief funds, be accelerated, emphasizing that even if the situation in the Middle East war changes, there is a possibility that instability in energy supply and demand may persist for the time being.

Prime Minister Minseok Kim attended the Cabinet meeting and the Emergency Economic Headquarters meeting held at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 21st, and struck the gavel. 2026.4.21 Photo by Yojong Joon

On the morning of the same day, Prime Minister Kim presided over the 17th Cabinet meeting and the 8th Emergency Economic Headquarters meeting at the Government Complex Seoul, and addressed related ministries such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance, saying, "Please ensure that additional supply stabilization measures scheduled for this week-including the release of urea reserves for vehicles and the setting of the fourth oil price ceiling-are carried out thoroughly." In particular, he stressed, "Speed is critical for the wartime supplementary budget," and added, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety should meticulously check the status of supplementary budget allocations in all 243 local governments so that the budgets for 20 projects, including the high oil price relief fund, can be executed swiftly."

Prime Minister Kim also commented on President Jaemyung Lee's ongoing visit to India and Vietnam, stating, "In order to overcome the difficulties caused by the Middle East war and to secure energy and supply chain stability, relevant ministries should thoroughly carry out follow-up measures so that these efforts, led by the President, can continue."

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoonju Park reported, "With the ceasefire deadline between the United States and Iran set for tomorrow, whether negotiations for ending the war will resume and whether the ceasefire will be extended are key factors for the future situation," adding, "Both sides remain in a tense standoff." On the safety of Korean nationals overseas, he stated, "No direct harm has come to our citizens, and the number of Koreans currently staying in the Middle East remains at around 14,000," and added, "We will continue to closely monitor the local situation and make ongoing efforts to protect our nationals abroad."