Lee calls for preemptive measures to stabilize prices

▲ President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a meeting with senior aides at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Feb. 12, 2026. (Yonhap)

Lee-prices

Lee calls for preemptive measures to stabilize prices

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Feb. 12 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday called for efforts to stabilize the prices of food and daily necessities by monitoring unfair trade practices and addressing structural issues in the distribution process.

Lee made the remarks during a meeting with senior aides after visiting a traditional market in the central city of Chungju ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, which begins this weekend.

"Many people remain concerned about prices and weak sales," Lee said during the meeting at Cheong Wa Dae.

He instructed a newly launched interagency task force to prepare short-term measures to stabilize prices and closely monitor unfair practices, such as price rigging and monopolistic practices involving certain items.

"Preemptive steps are needed to address structural issues at each stage of the distribution process," he said.

Lee also pointed to cases in which some companies allegedly resold import goods subject to reduced tariffs at higher-than-market prices, stressing that firm action should be taken if such practices are discovered.

In addition, he instructed a review of school uniform prices following reports that the average cost has approached 600,000 won (US$417), noting that the current level appears much higher than when he served as mayor of Seongnam, south of Seoul, from 2014 to 2018.

"With the back-to-school season approaching, the current school uniform prices need to be reviewed to determine whether they are appropriate," he said.

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