original_query: What actions did the Korean government take in response to the escalating protests?
query: What actions did the Lee Myung-bak administration take in response to the escalating protests regarding US beef imports?
answer: The government issued a statement warning that violent protesters would be punished and that measures would be taken to stop clashes between police and protesters.  The protests, initially focused on US beef imports, expanded to include opposition to privatization of public companies, education policy, and the construction of a canal.