Prime Minister Jeong: "I Will Fulfill My Duty for a Just Republic of Korea"... Presidential Bid

Farewell Address by Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun waves to deputy ministers and staff from various ministries after his farewell ceremony at the Government Seoul Office Annex in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 16th. 2021.4.16 Photo by Yonhap News

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun expressed his farewell remarks on the 16th, stating, "I will fulfill my duties to complete a just and new Republic of Korea." Serving as the second Prime Minister under the Moon Jae-in administration for about 1 year and 3 months, Prime Minister Chung will officially begin preparing for the next presidential election following his resignation on this day.

In his farewell address, Prime Minister Chung said, "It should no longer be a society where the people worry about politics, but politics must take responsibility for the lives and future of the people." He added, "I will do my best until the end to honor the great will of the people and return it even greater," emphasizing, "I will live a life that is proud before history and not shameful to the people." He also officially declared his challenge for the next presidential election by using the phrase "a new start."

Prime Minister Chung, who was called the "Corona Prime Minister" throughout his tenure due to the COVID-19 outbreak that occurred shortly after his inauguration in January last year, overseeing quarantine and vaccine distribution, reflected, "The past 15 months were a continuous breathless period during which I could not relax for a moment."

He recalled, "Just six days after my inauguration, a national disaster caused by COVID-19 occurred, and since then, I have traveled across the country to inspect quarantine measures and observe the livelihood sites." He added, "It was a heartbreaking time when I had to quietly swallow my tears while witnessing the people embracing each other with patience and tolerance amid desperate suffering."

He also expressed his gratitude to the public officials who worked alongside him, saying, "I could feel your passion and sense of duty in fulfilling your responsibilities for the people and the nation."

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