Acting President Han Duck-soo, the Prime Minister, said on the 1st while leaving the Office for Government Policy Coordination, "There will be no neglect in the administration of state affairs."
On the same day at 4 p.m., Acting Han resigned from the Prime Minister post to run in the presidential election and one hour later met with employees of the Office for Government Policy Coordination in his office at the Government Seoul Complex, stating, "I believe in your capabilities and sincerity."
Acting Han noted, "I have walked the path of public service for nearly 50 years since 1970," and added, "There has never been a single moment in this long time where the work I have undertaken was not burdensome or difficult."
He said, "Among those, the last three years in which I served as the second Prime Minister alongside all of you were the most intense times," adding, "The strength that sustained me was not personal ambition or selfishness, but the pride and duty of working for the country and its people."
Acting Han expressed, "It was a great honor to be able to work with you all," noting, "There have been countless days that were heartbreaking and painful, especially recently, when I witnessed the damage from wildfires."
He continued, "There have also been many uplifting moments, such as the export of nuclear power plants, the expansion of the defense industry market, and the reversal of the birth rate," adding, "I am leaving public office with a heavy heart."
Acting Han stated, "When public servants in South Korea united as one, we were able to overcome any crisis," and hoped that everyone would take great confidence in the achievements they have made.
Full statement from Acting Han.
Esteemed public servants, thank you for your hard work and dedication.
I have walked the path of public service for nearly 50 years since 1970. It seems there has never been a moment in those long years where the work I undertook was not burdensome or difficult.
Among them, the last three years in which I served as the second Prime Minister alongside all of you were the most intense times. The strength that sustained me until now is simple: public servants are driven not by personal ambition or selfishness, but by pride and duty to work for the country and its people. That was my greatest pride.
I have always had many fellow public servants who shared the same mindset and worked towards the same goals. It has been a great honor to be able to work with you all for the past three years since May 2022.
There have been countless days filled with sorrow and heartbreak, from the sweat-drenched days at Saemangeum to witnessing the recent damage from wildfires. There have also been many uplifting moments, such as the export of nuclear power plants, the expansion of the defense industry market, and the reversal of birth rates. I extend my gratitude and respect to all of you who participated with such passion.
Public servants, today I leave public office with a heavy heart. Although I am leaving, there will be no neglect in the administration of state affairs, because I believe in each and every one of your capabilities and sincerity.
When public servants in South Korea united as one, we were able to overcome any crisis. I hope you will take great confidence in the achievements you have made. Fellow public servants, I love you. The nation and the people have been my life, and you, public servants of South Korea, have been my family. Thank you.