Overview

• A July 6 high-level forum between the Democratic Party and Lee’s government was launched to align on national priorities
• The Cabinet-approved extra budget of 31.8 trillion won will see 85 percent spent by end-September to accelerate economic relief
• Officials pledged to rein in processed-food price inflation after June’s 4.6 percent year-on-year rise and to engage industry on price controls
• The coordination meeting also outlined measures to bolster preparedness and response for heat waves, floods and storms this summer
• Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has begun healthcare reform talks at Lee’s request to resolve the medical school quota dispute and his cabinet picks face confirmation hearings from July 14