Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok said on the 7th, "Public officials who faithfully fulfill their duties should not be swayed from the outside."
On this day, Choi noted in a farewell message posted on the Ministry of Economy and Finance's internal communication network "Gonggam Communication," "I am also taken aback and saddened to say goodbye to everyone so suddenly."
Choi stated, "The legislative, judicial, and executive branches of the state are all important, but I started my public service with hopes placed on the role of the executive branch," adding, "The mission entrusted to public officials by the people is to present practical alternatives for coexistence through the adjustment of conflicts between various fields and generations, excluding popular and opportunistic decision-making based on scientific analysis of the country's long-term future vision."
He continued, "To avoid being shaken, you need the strength to uphold your beliefs," and added, "That strength comes from the pride of being a public servant responsible to the entire nation under Article 7, Section 1 of the Constitution." He further expressed, "I hope you will strengthen your belief and pride as public servants, especially in difficult times."
Choi also mentioned the time he served as acting president. He said, "During the 88 days as acting president, I was grateful and reassured that we could navigate together through an unhappy page in our constitutional history with your help," adding, "The public will remember how you struggled daily for the stability of state affairs and livelihood, disaster response, and maintaining national credibility in a situation never before experienced."
He also commented on the current economic situation, stating, "The adverse effects of the complex crisis are more serious than expected, with delayed recovery in domestic demand exacerbating the difficulties in living due to tariff shocks," and noted, "The erroneous revenue projections based on abnormal surplus revenue from asset market overheating during 2021-2022 continued due to changes in trends."
He added, "While the welfare function of finances should expand, the task of revitalizing the economy centered on the private sector remains incomplete and requires structural reforms and time."
On the night of the 1st at around 10:30 p.m., Choi submitted his resignation to then-acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as the impeachment motion against him was presented to the National Assembly by the Democratic Party of Korea, and his resignation was immediately accepted, causing the vote on the impeachment motion against him in the National Assembly to be suspended.