▲ Prime Minister Kim Min-seok speaks during a coordination meeting with related ministers to discuss key state affairs at the government complex in Seoul on Jan. 15, 2026. (Yonhap)

PM-chemical goods

PM vows measures to tighten safety rules on chemical products

By Yi Wonju

SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said Thursday the government will implement thorough measures to bolster safety rules on chemical goods, citing a long-running consumer goods disaster over toxic humidifier disinfectant.

Kim made the remark during a policy coordination meeting with related ministers to discuss key state affairs, saying ensuring the safety and health of the people is the government's "top policy priority."

"As we learned from the tragedy of humidifier disinfectant, there must be no blind spots in not only preventing incidents involving chemical products but also in responding after the incident," Kim said.

In 2011, consumers started to report deaths and illnesses allegedly tied to humidifier disinfectants, widely used by households in the dry winters. A government-led investigation later confirmed the link between the two, with over 5,000 people formally recognized as victims.

He also discussed the outlook of Korean industries, stressing the importance of promoting artificial intelligence, biotech, cultural content, defense and energy.

Kim noted that South Korea achieved US$700 billion in exports last year on the back of the "K-brand" boom but said the current environment leaves little room for complacency.

Last year, Korea's exports reached an all-time high of $709.7 billion, led by the robust performance of key export items, such as semiconductors, automobiles and ships, as well as the growth of smaller industries, including agro-fisheries and cosmetics.

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