Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has vowed to push harder for regulatory reform, which he called an investment that does not cost money.

During a government meeting Thursday aimed at inspecting the progress of such reforms, Hwang said the government will strongly pursue deregulation in order to fundamentally enhance the country's economic structure and revitalize the domestic economy.

The prime minister warned against officials who end up neglecting and delaying issues and proposals expressed by citizens as a result of being bound by past laws and practices.

Hwang further called for concentrated efforts that will allow the public to palpably feel in their everyday lives the government's stern resolve. 

The Thursday meeting chaired by Vice Minister of the Government Policy Coordination Office Oh Kyun was attended by officials from all government agencies and planning and coordination directors of metropolitan governments. The prime minister's attendance was unexpected as he came to underline the importance of regulatory reform.