President Lee: FTC Should Play True Role as 'Economic Prosecutor' and Make Cartels Unimaginable

President Lee Jae-myung said, "It seems the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is properly playing its role as an 'economic prosecutor' by actively cracking down on cartels and hoarding recently," adding, "Please keep your eyes wide open so that no one can even dream of gaining unfair profits through cartels or abnormal transactions in the future."

President Lee made the remarks during a ministry briefing for the FTC, Ministry of Employment and Labor, and Ministry of SMEs and Startups held at the Blue House, stating, "A fair and trusted market is the foundation of a normal society."

After asking about the FTC's recruitment plans, he also urged, "If necessary, expand the workforce and do your utmost to carry out the required tasks."

Encouraging the Ministry of Employment and Labor, President Lee said, "I understand that workplace accident fatalities have decreased significantly recently thanks to the ministry's efforts. Personally, this is truly joyful news."

He emphasized, "The fact that wage arrears have also turned into a downward trend is a job very well done," adding, "Do not rest on these laurels, and put all your efforts into making workplaces safe and fairly compensated."

President Lee further instructed, "The youth employment situation remains poor. Please come up with innovative measures for this," and added, "Please thickly reinforce the social safety net mattress to thoroughly protect atypical workers who are increasing in the AI era."

He also encouraged each ministry to do its best to revitalize the "Startup for All Project" to boost business startups, foster a corporate ecosystem of win-win cooperation, vitalize regional commercial districts, and strengthen management and financial safety nets.

(Photo provided by the Blue House Press Corps, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.