What did President Lee Jae Myung say about how he plans to govern now?

Lee said he will think more deeply about what is most needed for the public and fine-tune governance with a humbler attitude. He said he is reflecting on the voters’ intention and wants to keep pursuing reforms.

Why did President Lee Jae Myung say he felt responsible about the economy?

He said he feels heavily responsible because improvements in economic indicators are not fully translating into tangible changes in people’s livelihoods. He linked that concern to the need for the presidential office and the government to work together on practical results.

What is the status of Kang Hoon-sik’s resignation offer?

Lee said he has not decided whether to accept it. The presidential office said Kang offered to resign on Sunday as a gesture of taking responsibility.

Lee pledges deliberation, humility in state administration

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Summary

President Lee Jae Myung on Monday pledged to govern more thoughtfully and humbly at Cheong Wa Dae. He said he feels heavily responsible that improving economic indicators is not yet translating into better livelihoods. Lee also said the presidential office and the government will work together on tangible improvements while keeping his reform vision. He has not decided whether to accept chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik’s resignation offer.

Key Facts

Lee made the remarks during a meeting with his key aides at Cheong Wa Dae.
He said he was reflecting again on the intention of the voters who elected the administration.
Lee said the presidential office and the government will join hands to make tangible improvements in people’s livelihoods.
He has not decided whether to accept Kang Hoon-sik’s resignation offer, and the presidential office said Kang tendered his resignation Sunday as a gesture of taking responsibility.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 21, 2026 3:34 pm KST

President Lee Jae Myung attends a meeting with his key aides at Cheong Wa Dae, Monday. Joint Press Corps

President Lee Jae Myung on Monday pledged to be more thoughtful and humble in governing the country, reaffirming his efforts to improve the quality of people's lives.

"I will think more deeply about what is most needed for the public in this era and fine-tune governance with a humbler attitude," Lee said during a meeting with his key aides at Cheong Wa Dae.

"I am once again reflecting on the intention of the voters who elected the administration," the president said.

The pledge came as Lee's approval ratings declined to their lowest levels in recent weeks amid controversies over ministerial nominations and other issues.

"I feel heavily responsible as the person in charge of state governance for the opinion that improvements in economic indicators are not fully translating into tangible changes in people's livelihoods," he said.

The presidential office and the government will join hands to make tangible improvements in people's livelihoods, the president said, adding that he will also stick to his initial vision of pursuing reforms.

Meanwhile, the president said he has not decided whether to accept his chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik's resignation offer.

The presidential office earlier said Kang tendered his resignation Sunday as a gesture of taking responsibility.

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