Prime Minister Han: "Relocation of Ministries and Public Institutions Is Essential... Thorough Preparation for Announcement Within This Year"

The 39th Cabinet Meeting

Prime Minister Han Sung-sook stated on September 8, "The plan for the relocation of the second round of central administrative agencies and public institutions is a pressing national task that must be carried out for balanced national development and a sustainable future for the Republic of Korea." She added, "I ask the relevant ministries, such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, to ensure the utmost diligence in formulating and announcing implementation plans, including finalizing the institutions to be relocated, by the end of this year."

Prime Minister Han Sung-sook is presiding over a Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on September 8, 2026. Photo by Jeong, Yonhap News Agency

Presiding over the 39th Cabinet meeting at the Government Seoul Office that morning, Prime Minister Han said, "This will be a significant change and by no means an easy one for the institutions subject to relocation," but she also asserted, "I firmly believe that everyone will understand this was a decision made for the future of the country and its people, and that you will be with us." She further emphasized, "The government will strive to minimize any difficulties arising from the relocation."

Standing in for President Lee Jaemyung, who is on a state visit to France, Prime Minister Han said, "Today’s summit meeting is expected to include in-depth discussions on expanding mutual exchanges and entry not only in the field of defense but also in future industries such as AI, nuclear power, and biotechnology." She requested, "I ask the relevant ministries to ensure that the results of the overseas visit are effectively conveyed to and spread among the public and business communities through meticulous management."

Prime Minister Han also called for accelerating the transition to artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector. She said, "The AI transition in the public sector must become even more rapid and bold," and added, "Relevant ministries should speed up efforts to establish a system in which public officials can freely develop AI, apply it to their work, and share results, and a compensation scheme can be put in place for these activities." She reiterated, "Only when top officials—including ministers, vice ministers, and directors—fully understand AI will it be possible to guarantee both the completeness and sustainability of administrative innovation based on AI."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.