Lee rejects claims of wasteful spending on Brazil egg imports, defends move to curb prices

President Lee Jae Myung has rejected claims of wasteful spending on Brazil egg imports, dismissing them as politically motivated falsehoods. Opposition lawmakers have accused the government of wasting 80 billion won ($59.51 million) on these imports, citing the per-egg cost rising to 1,464 won from an initial purchase price of 178 won.

President Lee defended the move, stating that it was conducted to secure an additional source of supply due to insufficient supplies and soaring egg prices in Korea during the summer. He emphasized that importing more expensive goods from overseas and supplying them domestically at lower prices is a common government measure to manage consumer prices when supply shortages drive up the cost of basic necessities.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.