South Korean Trade Minister Sung Yun-mo speaks during a news conference at the government complex in Sejong, South Korea, August 12, 2019. (Photo: Yonhap/via AP)

Sung Yun-mo announced the revision of a bill on the export and import of strategic materials at a news conference on Monday. He said it will be difficult to cooperate with countries which  deviate from the basic principles of the international export control system. He added that after a public announcement, the parliament will spend 20 days to collect opinions and complete related tasks. During that period, Seoul is willing to discuss the matter with Tokyo if it receives a request.

Early this month, the Japanese government approved the removal of South Korea from a list of countries with preferential trade status.