President Lee Jae Myung's First Executive Order: "Emergency Economic Response TF"

President Lee Jae Myung visited the Joint Chiefs of Staff Combat Control Room in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the 4th and spoke after receiving a military readiness briefing from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Myung Soo and other military commanders. Photo by Ministry of National Defense

President Lee Jae Myung issued his first executive order since taking office, directing the formation of an Emergency Economic Response Task Force (TF). He instructed Lee Ju Ho, the Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister as well as Minister of Education, to convene the heads and working-level officials of departments related to the TF by 7:30 AM.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo Jung announced this on the 4th during a press briefing at the presidential office in Yongsan. Kang also stated, "The President has ordered that a meeting of working-level officials responsible for safety issues related to disasters, public order, and calamities be convened by tomorrow morning."

Kang continued, "At 2:30 PM, President Lee Jae Myung visited the Joint Chiefs of Staff Combat Control Room, where he received a military readiness briefing from the Acting Minister of National Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and conducted an inspection. The President emphasized that national security and defense are the bulwark protecting the physical safety of the Republic of Korea, and stressed the need to restore trust in the military that fulfills its duties in its rightful place and to dispel any concerns."

She added, "President Lee stated that as Commander-in-Chief, he would focus on restoring the honor of the military that fulfills its duties in its proper place."

Kang also disclosed that during a phone call with President Lee, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Ju Ho reported that all cabinet members had tendered their resignations. However, Kang mentioned that President Lee, emphasizing the need for continuity of government and emergency economic oversight, indicated his intention to reject the resignations of all cabinet members except for Minister of Justice Park Sung Jae.

Kang criticized, "On the first day of the inauguration, the presidential office was physically unable to function, with no available internet network, paper, or even pencils on the desks."

She added, "The President, stressing the urgency of continuity of government and prompt resumption of official duties, instructed the immediate return of general public officials who had previously worked at the presidential office."

When asked about the schedule for a phone call between U.S. President Trump and President Lee, Kang replied, "It is being coordinated."