Seoul: President Lee Jae-myung urged Cabinet members on Thursday to remain committed to serving the public during his inaugural Cabinet meeting, which included ministers from the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration. Lee emphasized the importance of stabilizing state affairs following a period of political instability caused by his predecessor's brief imposition of martial law in December and subsequent removal from office in April.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee began his five-year term on Wednesday, foregoing the typical two-month transition period due to the leadership vacuum created by Yoon's martial law attempt. "We're all agents entrusted by the people to carry out our duties," Lee stated during the meeting. "Although things may feel quite awkward for all of you, I believe that as long as you're in public office, you should do your utmost in your respective roles, putting the public at the center."
The meeting was attended by key figures from the previous government, including Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Lee Ju-ho, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, and Vice Science Minister Yoo Sang-im. On Lee's team, chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik and National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac were present. Lee underscored the legal responsibilities of constitutional institutions, stating, "As constitutional institutions, you have responsibilities mandated by law. You cannot neglect your authority and duties for even one moment."
Lee expressed his intention to minimize the transition period for the new government to ensure a swift settlement. "During that time, our people are enduring hardships, and I want to minimize that time as much as possible," he said. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung reported that the Cabinet meeting included discussions on response measures to recent wildfires and Lee's vision for state affairs and campaign promises.
In a brief inaugural address on Wednesday, Lee vowed to unite the nation and restore stability following the martial law controversy. Additionally, Lee rejected resignation offers from Yoon's Cabinet members, with the exception of Justice Minister Park Sung-jae, in a strategic move to maintain continuity in government operations.