<Anchor>

In response to economic retaliation, the government has decided to tighten radiological inspections of coal ash from Japan. Originally I was trying to take Japan out of the preferential export country group today (8th), but the decision was suspended.

I'm Kim Do-kyun.

<Reporter>

The Ministry of Environment says it will step up inspections on imported coal ash, which has raised concerns about pollution.

As the domestic cement industry imports coal ash from Japanese thermal power plants and uses it as a raw material, this is actually the first step in response to Japan's economic retaliation.

However, there were no announcements of Japan's exclusion of the Korean white list, which was originally known to be finalized after discussions at the national inspection meeting today.

We have suspended the action to classify Japan as a "many" region with more restrictions in the "a" area where it is possible to have a comprehensive export license.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon mentioned a change in Japan's attitude.

[Lee Nak-yeon / Prime Minister: We have not specified any regulated items other than the existing three items. Subsequently, EUV photoresist, one of three export restrictions, was approved for the first time in Korea.]

A government official said the debate over Japan is ongoing and only coordinates the content and timing.

The response of our companies was prudent.

It is fortunate that Japan has given at least one export license, but the essence has not changed.

At the heart of the situation is the uncertainty that Japan cannot predict when and how to regulate.

[Lee Won-seok / Deputy General Manager, Korea Trade Association: Fortunately. Judging by the atmosphere to think about this much. Companies are most concerned about uncertainty.]

There were also concerns that Japan would only take practical measures for the loss of its own companies, and that arbitrary control would continue depending on the situation.

Kim Sang-jo, head of policy at Cheong Wa Dae, met with the top five executives in Korea to discuss ways to respond.

(Video coverage: Kim Won-bae, Video editing: Kim Sun-tak)

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