Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said he will not hesitate to exercise government authority against illegal acts that hamper COVID-19 quarantine operations and threaten public safety.

Chung made the remarks at a meeting with officials on Wednesday, where he called a planned conservative groups' anti-government rally for National Foundation Day on October 3 "deplorable."

The prime minister called on police and local governments to sternly respond in accordance with the law, and if necessary, to thoroughly explain the government's position to the court.

Stressing that the daily COVID-19 increase remains in triple digits, Chung urged officials to fully prepare quarantine measures for the upcoming Chuseok holiday to prevent further spread of the virus.

The prime minister also asked the public to receive influenza vaccinations as another precaution to prevent the virus' spread amid the shift in seasons.