Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, has urged relevant authorities to implement urgent safety measures to protect youth from random acts of violence. This call follows the tragic incident on May 5, where a high school student was killed and another was seriously injured while attempting to intervene.
During a meeting with senior advisors at the Blue House, Kang emphasized the need for thorough investigations and increased police patrols. He also requested safety inspections of school routes and enhancements to security facilities, as reported by Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong.
Kang instructed Jeon Seong-hwan, Chief of the National Security Office, to personally meet with the families of the victims to convey the government's condolences and ensure that necessary support and measures are implemented swiftly.
Ahn added that Kang expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families and local students who are grappling with shock and anxiety after losing a friend.
The police have arrested a suspect, identified as Jang, in connection with the murder and attempted murder that occurred at 12:11 a.m. on May 5 in a pedestrian area of Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, where a second-year high school student, referred to as A, was killed and her peer, B, was injured.
Additionally, Kang noted that the government has swiftly implemented measures to stabilize prices following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, including the introduction of a maximum oil price system, reductions in fuel taxes, and securing additional crude oil and naphtha. As a result, the consumer price inflation rate was contained at 2.6% in April.
He warned that the surge in international oil prices could lead to increased costs for raw materials and logistics, further raising the cost of living for ordinary citizens.
Kang highlighted the rise in pork prices by over 8% compared to last year due to increases in international grain and feed prices, expressing concern that the burden on low-income households could worsen.
He urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Food and Drug Safety Ministry, and the Fair Trade Commission to adopt a mindset of "the war on prices has just begun" and to take all necessary measures to prevent excessive price hikes under the pretext of rising international oil prices, focusing on stabilizing costs for ordinary citizens.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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