NEWS BRIEF

[Anchor Lead]

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said today that it's deplorable that some conservative groups are planning a large protest during the upcoming Chuseok holiday weekend, and stressed that the government will readily use its authority to crack down on activities that interfere with disease control measures and threaten community safety. He asked the police and local government bodies to act strictly in accordance with the law and principle and to explain the government's position fully to the court if needed.
North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported today that the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party held an expanded meeting yesterday and discussed national disaster relief measures for the Geomdeok area in Hamgyeongnam-do Province devastated by Typhoon Maysak. Chairman Kim Jong-un who presided over the meeting reportedly said the typhoon-caused damages have forced the nation to adjust several national projects due to be completed later this year.
Statistics Korea announced today that the number of newly employed workers in August stood at a little over 27 million, 274,000 fewer than a year ago. This marks a decline of six straight months from March. Subsequently, the number of unemployed workers grew to 864,000, up 6,000 from the August 2019 figure, and a 3.1% unemployment rate, up by 0.1% point.