Outgoing PM Kim Min-seok vows to serve 'with greater sense of mission' in new role

Outgoing Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said Tuesday that he would "run with a greater sense of mission in a new chapter" to support the success of the Lee Jae Myung administration and usher in a new era.

Speaking at his farewell ceremony at the annex of the Government Seoul Building, Kim said he would continue working through the party and the National Assembly on unfinished tasks, including improving the lives of young people and accelerating region-led growth.

He also reflected on his tenure, saying it had been "an undeserved honor" to have warned against martial law, fought against the insurrection and then gone on to serve as prime minister of the new government. "I owe a great debt of gratitude to the people and to the president," he said.

Kim cited a range of achievements during his time in office, including the successful hosting of the APEC summit, securing a global AI hub, the return of medical students, rooting out insurrection elements within the administration, completing the Gwangju-South Jeolla Province merger, supporting investment in Saemangeum, attracting large conglomerate investment to regional areas, reducing suicide rates and advancing diplomacy with the United States and China.

He also offered a personal reflection on his philosophy of governance. "I believe politics means looking at the future through the eyes of the vulnerable," he said, pointing to the necktie bearing a sheep pattern that he wore as prime minister. "There is one empty spot in the middle among the sheep. It is a pledge not to leave a single person behind in the process of recovery, growth and progress."

Kim said the history being written today by the people and the Lee Jae Myung administration following what he called the "revolution of light" would serve as "a prelude to a golden age in our 5,000-year history." "I offer my sincere respect and gratitude to the people who are making all of this happen," he said.

He closed by thanking government officials, including those at the prime minister's office, for their hard work, and urged them to "devote yourselves even more fiercely with the president at the center." He also extended his trust and encouragement to his successor.

Kim urged officials to uphold the values of the Lee Jae Myung administration by putting the people, life and the vulnerable first. He made a heartfelt appeal for them to "steadfastly support President Lee Jae Myung, who is running with all his heart and strength for the country and the people."

He drew laughter with a touch of humor, noting the contrast in atmosphere between his inauguration and his departure. "When I was inaugurated, everyone looked very serious — but the mood today seems far too good. I'll have to make sure my successor knows that the prime minister's office can be at its most cheerful on the day the prime minister steps down," he said. He added that he had briefly considered dragging out the process when he saw he had to sign his letter of resignation. "I thought about refusing to resign, about stalling for time — but here I am," he said, drawing smiles as he expressed his reluctance to leave.