Chairman Lee Eog-weon of the Financial Services Commission held a meeting with officials from the steel industry and related financial institutions on April 17 and reviewed challenges faced by steel companies amid the continuing war in the Middle East and discussed the availability of financial support programs. At the meeting, Chairman Lee underscored the significance of the steel industry as a crucial pillar for other rear industries, such as the machinery and electronics sectors. Chairman Lee said that the rising costs and instability in supply chains experienced by steel companies can have considerable ripple effects across other enterprises and industries. In this regard, Chairman Lee outlined and explained key financial support programs, including lending support, corporate bond support, and investment assistance, made available for businesses hit by the continuing war in the Middle East.