29th Lee Jeong-sik, Minister of Employment and Labor Farewell Ceremony
Reflections and Requests on Two-Year Term
Yoon Approves Appointment of New Minister Kim Moon-soo
Minister Lee Jeong-sik, who has led the Ministry of Employment and Labor for over two years, said on the 29th as he completed his term, "I want to step down from the heavy position of being the first Minister of Employment and Labor under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration."
The Ministry of Employment and Labor held a farewell ceremony for Minister Lee Jeong-sik at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day. Minister Lee, who took charge of the ministry in May 2022, left his post after serving for more than two years.
He reflected, "During my two-year term, I have worked tirelessly to create a sustainable labor market." He added, "These were precious moments when we contemplated the development of the Republic of Korea beyond just the labor market," and said, "One by one, those moments are gathering, and the labor market is gradually changing."
Minister Lee evaluated, "Unreasonable labor-management practices are changing, and a culture of labor-management rule of law is taking root," adding, "Labor-management relations on the ground have stabilized." He also mentioned, "The win-win agreement between shipbuilding industry contractors and subcontractors to resolve the dual structure of the labor market is spreading to other industries and regions."
He further stated, "We have reorganized the organization and budget so that the state can directly care for marginalized laborers," and said, "If the Labor Vulnerable Protection Act is enacted in the future, much more tangible support will be possible."
Regarding sites of major industrial accidents, Minister Lee explained, "I could not help but feel a heavy heart." He also mentioned, "The crisis of population structure, such as rapid industrial transformation, low birthrate, and aging, has already become a reality."
He emphasized, "There are still high waves to overcome ahead," and said, "Your efforts will surely become the foundation for future generations."
Meanwhile, President Yoon Seok-yeol approved the appointment of Kim Moon-soo, the new Minister of Employment and Labor and successor to Minister Lee, in the afternoon of the same day.
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