By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter

The administration has virtually canceled its plan to introduce daylight saving time (DST) next year, according to sources in Cheong Wa Dae, Wednesday.

South Korea initially sought to introduce the system together with Japan as part of efforts to save energy.

``The Japanese government showed a lukewarm response to our proposal. It appears it will be impossible to start the system next year,'' said an official.

``This doesn't mean, however, that the government has completely dropped the plan to introduce DST. We still believe the measure is necessary to build a more energy-efficient society.''

The official denied media reports that the administration will test DST at government agencies before fully implementing the system.

Presidential spokesman Park Sun-kyu said discussions between Korea and Japan were still underway. ``There has been no conclusion yet,'' Park said.

jj@koreatimes.co.kr