Departing 'Longest-Serving Minister' Kang Kyung-wha... "It Was the Most Honorable Position"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kang Kyung-wha, who led the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for nearly 3 years and 8 months since the inauguration of the Moon Jae-in administration, left the ministry on the 8th.

On that day, Kang visited the press room at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, and shared her reflections, saying, "Looking back on nearly 3 years and 8 months, there were many difficult times, but the staff, related ministries, and the Blue House collaborated well to overcome many tough challenges."

Kang said, "I am relieved that the issue of the detained Iranian ship was resolved before I left," adding, "Every time we overcame such issues, I thought, 'Our staff are working devotedly for the national interest.'"

She reflected, "I consider serving as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, especially after turning 60, the most honorable position among the workplaces I have worked at for decades," and added, "It will surely be remembered as the most rewarding period of my life."

She continued, "Even if I leave, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will remain forever," and said, "The new minister is someone who has already played a key role in the (Korean Peninsula) peace process, and after taking a short rest and recharging, I expect them to actively lead the ministry."

On the same day, Kang made farewell visits to the offices on each floor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building without holding a separate official farewell ceremony.

The National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee adopted the personnel hearing report on Jeong Eui-yong, Kang's successor as Minister of Foreign Affairs, at a plenary meeting on the same day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.