Seoul: The government has identified approximately 160 abnormal and unfair practices to address under the "nation normalization project," including the standardization of beach umbrella fees, a frequent summertime complaint.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the project was initiated after President Lee Jae Myung called for the rectification of abnormal practices and systems, along with deep-rooted illegal acts. In March, President Lee emphasized the need to end the "age of abnormality" where rule violators benefit while those who comply suffer losses.

The first meeting of the task force was held by the Office for Government Policy Coordination on Thursday. Officials reported that around 160 tasks were selected from approximately 500 issues gathered from government officials and civilian experts over the past month. The selection prioritized changes that could be directly felt by the public. Among the tasks are improving the management system of studio apartments, known as "officetels" in Korea, and prohibiting the illegal use of the Onnuri gift certificate, which is issued by the government to boost traditional markets.

"This project is not a one-off event but a national task that will be consistently pursued during the current government's term," stated Kim Young-su, first deputy chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, during the meeting. He encouraged the public to report ill practices and irrationalities encountered in their daily lives.