President Lee Jae-myung has instructed relevant government ministries not to apply to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) within this year.

Cheong Wa Dae stated that President Lee made the request, asking officials to "engage in dialogue while listening sufficiently to the voices of farmers and fishermen."

The move is seen as the government adjusting its pace, as concerns have continued to be raised that damage to the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries industries would be inevitable following market opening.