Seoul:President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday emphasized the urgent need to expedite administrative procedures in home construction to increase housing supply amidst persistent high housing prices.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee made these remarks during a Cabinet meeting, highlighting a decline in housing construction permits and new land supplied for real estate development over the past three years. This, he noted, has disrupted the housing supply, necessitating prompt implementation of consistent market management policies and large-scale housing supply measures.

President Lee urged officials to expedite the process of preparing land for development and granting administrative permits for house construction, urging them to bypass customary practices and procedures to stabilize the housing market. He stressed that the success of administrative management hinges on achieving housing market stability.

In addition to housing, President Lee called for a comprehensive overhaul of public safety functions, including policing, firefighting, and disaster prevention, emphasizing the need for thorough protection measures for both the public and those working in these fields. He instructed officials to conduct safety checks on facilities that draw crowds, bridges, and other key public structures.

Furthermore, President Lee underscored the importance of the Serious Crime Investigation Agency (SCIA) in ensuring impartial investigations into serious crimes like corruption and financial offenses. Addressing Kim Ji-yong, the inaugural SCIA chief, Lee urged prompt and stern action to reassure the public about prosecution reform and maintain a fair social order.

The Cabinet meeting also approved several bills, including a revised Occupational Safety and Health Act, which imposes fines on companies for industrial accidents resulting in multiple employee deaths. Additionally, a revised Animal Protection Act was approved, enabling authorities to prevent individuals convicted of animal abuse from owning animals if there's a risk of re-offending. These revisions will take effect six months after formal promulgation.