Tokyo is apparently considering taking similar measures against additional items in a bid to ratchet up pressure on Seoul. The Abe administration is demanding that the South Korean government resolve the issue of compensation for Koreans forced to toil at Japanese factories during World War II.

"As Japan has implemented the export restrictions against the three items, we are scrutinizing products in other industrial fields (that may be also targeted)," the official said.

A number of South Korean firms rely on Japan's supply of chemicals, electronic parts and high-tech machine tools.

"Among them, the chemical material sector is important," the official said.

The government is in consultations with companies here to obtain more detailed information.

President Moon Jae-in also plans to meet with the heads of South Korea's major conglomerates next week for discussions on the matter.

(Yonhap)