President Park Geun-hye on Thursday renewed her call for a strict rule of the law, saying laws should be a means to protect the weak.

“The law should be a warm protective shield for the weak in society,” Park said in a speech marking the 50th Law Day at the Supreme Court. “The phrase, ‘Let’s do what the law says,’ should not be a means for the strong to threaten the weak, but a safety shield for the weak to protect themselves.”

In a first step to build a country ruled by laws, the government will focus on eradicating the four so-called social ills threatening public safety, she said. The four ills are sexual violence, school violence, domestic violence and substandard foods.

In an apparent reference to the abuse of power by conglomerates, Park also said the country’s economy will develop only when strict regulations are in place to prevent illegal and unfair practices that steal the rewards of the people. (Yonhap News)