Lee Bok-hyun Praised by the Democratic Party: "Thorough Investigation of Sambutogeon... Resignation Not Accepted"

Lee Bok-hyun, the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) Governor whose term expires this June, stated regarding the investigation into Sambu Construction, which he had announced would be concluded within this month, "We will make sure to do everything we can." When asked about his resignation, he confirmed, "My resignation has not been accepted."

At the plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee (LJC) on the same day, Governor Lee responded to questions about the Sambu Construction investigation. He said, "I am aware that the appropriateness of the FSS investigation will be subject to post-verification (such as Board of Audit and Inspection audits or special investigations)," adding, "In addition to the usual work procedures, we will make sure to do everything we can."

During the LJC session, concerns were raised that despite various suspicions surrounding Sambu Construction, the investigation might be hastily concluded without proper scrutiny. There were claims that the involvement of Kim Gun-hee, wife of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, was not being thoroughly examined. In response, Governor Lee said, "We will utilize the organization's capabilities to the fullest to ensure no suspicions remain after the investigation."

Questions about his future position also arose. Previously, Governor Lee had publicly stated he would "stake his position" in opposition to the exercise of veto power on the amendment to the Commercial Act. Following the government's veto exercise earlier this month, he submitted his resignation to Kim Byung-hwan, the Financial Services Commission Chairman and his superior in the organizational hierarchy. In response to a question from LJC Chairman Jeong Cheong-rae, Governor Lee confirmed, "Ultimately, my resignation has not been accepted," and that he was urged again not to resign by the F4 (Macroeconomics and Financial Issues Meeting).

When Chairman Jeong asked, "Does this mean you have withdrawn your resignation and will continue to work diligently?" Governor Lee replied, "I have not withdrawn it, but it is true that it has not been accepted." Chairman Jeong then said, "Since you are going to continue, please work hard," to which Governor Lee responded, "I will do so." Governor Lee's official term ends on June 6.

During the session, an unusual compliment came from the opposition Democratic Party of Korea. Democratic Party lawmaker Park Gyun-taek said, "During the previous (Yoon Seok-yeol) administration, I did not see many public officials who acted like true public servants, but I respect Governor Lee Bok-hyun for handling his duties with a certain conviction." This was interpreted as high praise for Governor Lee's public opposition to the government's veto of the Commercial Act amendment, which was led by the Democratic Party, and his advocacy for the necessity of the legislation.