Acting President Han Holds Tea Gathering with Staff Instead of Farewell Ceremony: "Leaving Public Office with a Heavy Heart"

"The Past Three Years as Prime Minister Were the Most Intense of My Career"

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo is seen leaving the Government Seoul Office Building on the 1st after delivering a national address, greeting Bang Kiseon, Minister for Government Policy Coordination, Kim Jongmoon, First Vice Minister for Government Policy Coordination, and others who came to see him off. Photo by Yonhap News

On May 1, Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo announced his resignation from the prime ministerial post. In his office, he addressed aides and staff, stating, "Today, I leave public office with a heavy heart," and added, "Although I am departing, there will not be the slightest neglect in the administration of state affairs."

Instead of a formal farewell ceremony, Han held a tea gathering, where he reflected, "The past three years, during which I served as Prime Minister for the second time and worked alongside you, were the most intense period of my career."

Han continued, "The force that has sustained me until now is simple. It was pride and a sense of duty in serving the country and its people, not personal advancement or self-interest, that motivated public officials. That was my greatest source of pride."

He went on to say, "It has been a great honor to work with you for a full three years since May 2022. There were countless difficult and heartbreaking days, from running tirelessly in Saemangeum to recently visiting wildfire sites. On the other hand, moments such as exporting nuclear power plants, expanding the defense industry, and reversing the birth rate were truly exhilarating."

Han emphasized, "Whenever public officials in the Republic of Korea united as one, we were able to overcome any crisis," and urged, "I hope you take great confidence in the achievements you have accomplished." On this day, Han was reported to have left the prime minister's residence and moved to his private home in Sinmunno.

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