Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Oct. 15 chairs a ministerial meeting on public security and safety for foreign nationals at Government Complex-Seoul in Seoul's Jongno-gu District. (Office for Government Policy Coordination)

By Jeon Misun

The government has announced a crackdown on hate speech targeting foreign nationals for a successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit starting late this month.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Oct. 15 announced this after chairing a related meeting of ministers on the security and safety of internationals at Government Complex-Seoul in the capital's Jongno-gu District. The large number of global tourists expected to visit Korea during the event gave the government impetus to accelerate preemptive measures.

In his opening remarks, he said, "We deeply regret recent xenophobic protests," adding, "Discriminatory actions and insults toward foreign nationals in daily life or at work lower Korea's reputation for valuing diversity and inclusiveness and must be eradicated."

Relevant ministries at the meeting also discussed boosting a joint response system and enhancing practical measures for on-site safety to ensure a safe environment for foreign visitors before and after the summit.

msjeon22@korea.kr