Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said Tuesday the government will open a thorough investigation into the rape of a teacher on an island located in South Jeolla Province, adding authorities will show no tolerance for such crimes.

The remark came as the police are investigating three suspects on charges of intoxicating and raping a schoolteacher in the small fishing town of Sinan last month, which stirred up public anger.

The issue also sparked public awareness of the safety issues facing female teachers in remote regions.

"The case where students' parents and residents raped a teacher is a serious incident," Hwang said. "We will promptly begin examining the safety of the dormitories in remote regions across the country and come up with safety measures for people using such facilities."

Hwang's remark came ahead of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.

On industrial restructuring issues, the prime minister stressed it is inevitable that the government rolls out measures to help the business sector. He added there is a need to sort out financially troubled companies to beef up the country's overall competitiveness.

"As the regional economies and the job market are expected to be hurt by serious restructuring efforts, the government must come up with measures to minimize the fallout," Hwang added.

The prime minister also requested ministries to work more closely with the 20th National Assembly. On Monday, the National Assembly completed the lineup of parliamentary committee chiefs after days of intraparty wrangling. (Yonhap)