Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon Steps Down: "I Will Devote All Efforts for the Nation and Government"

Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, who completed his 2 years and 7 months in office, is receiving a bouquet from Kim Dong-hyeok, the village chief of Sinnam Village in Samcheok, a typhoon-affected area, at a farewell event held at the Government Seoul Office on the 14th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon said on the 14th, "No matter where I am or what I do, I will devote all my efforts to be of help to the people, the nation, and the government."

Former Prime Minister Lee made these remarks about his feelings upon stepping down from the prime minister position at his farewell event held at 2 p.m. in front of the main building of the Government Seoul Office.

With the inauguration of Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, Lee’s term ended at midnight on the same day. Lee served as the first prime minister of the Moon Jae-in administration for 2 years, 7 months, and 13 days.

Lee said, "After nearly 2 years and 8 months of serving as prime minister, I am returning to my original place. I deeply thank the people who loved and criticized my shortcomings. I also thank the public officials who sincerely supported me despite my many flaws."

He added, "It was the greatest fortune and honor of my life to serve a president with firm convictions and great consideration, along with dedicated and passionate public officials and the great people."

Lee expressed confidence, saying, "I am certain that the Republic of Korea will continue to develop," and urged, "Let us move forward together toward the future with that belief."

At the farewell event, Kim Dong-hyeok, the head of Sinnam Village in Samcheok, Gangwon Province, who Lee visited several times during the occurrence of Typhoon Mitak, personally appeared and presented a bouquet, drawing attention.

After sharing his thoughts, Lee took a commemorative photo with cabinet members and staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, then left the office by car.

After the farewell event, Lee told reporters, "I will go to greet the party at 9 a.m. tomorrow," and said, "I have many thoughts about what responsibilities will be entrusted to me."