SEOUL – Amid escalating fruit and vegetable prices, President Yoon Suk Yeol has committed to implementing governmental interventions to alleviate the financial strain on consumers. During a meeting focused on public livelihood concerns, Yoon outlined a plan to address the inflationary pressures that have seen a significant uptick in food costs, particularly affecting apples, pears, and other farm products.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the nation witnessed a 3.1 percent increase in consumer prices in February, with a notable 41.2 percent jump in the costs of major fruits like apples and pears, marking the steepest rise in over three decades. In response, President Yoon, speaking at a Nonghyup Hanaro Mart location, announced immediate special measures aimed at reducing the prices of essential groceries, emphasizing the government's dedication to stabilizing the market without constraints on the duration, type, or amount of support.
Further, Yoon highlighted specific actions for apples and pears, acknowledging their expected prolonged price elevation due to recent adverse weather events. The strategy includes boosting the import of alternative fruits to compensate for domestic shortages. Additionally, the government plans to expand the list of fruits eligible for reduced import duties, introducing new items like cherries and kiwis to the current roster of 24.
SEOUL – The status of South Korean pitcher Go Woo-suk with the San Diego Padres remains uncertain following his latest outing against the LG Twins in an exhibition game at Gocheok Sky Dome.According to Yonhap News Agency, As part of the Padres' preparatory squad for the upcoming Seoul Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Go's performance was closely scrutinized, given its potential impact on his retention for the regular season.
Go, previously a mainstay with the LG Twins from 2017 to 2023, was tested in a high-pressure scenario, yielding a two-run homer but ultimately securing the save in a narrow 5-4 Padres victory. This performance came at a critical juncture, with Padres manager Mike Shildt evaluating player contributions ahead of the Opening Day roster finalization.
Manager Shildt acknowledged the unique pressure faced by Go, performing in his home country and speculated on the emotional implications of such a significant appearance. Despite this, Go's ability to recover and close the game was noted as a positive takeaway. With the roster deadline looming, the Padres' management is tasked with assessing whether Go's recent contributions align with the team's strategy and objectives for the season commencement against the Dodgers.