President Lee: "The Nation's Fate Is in the Hands of Public Officials... Do Your Utmost"

On April 17, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "Whether people will live better lives or face worsening conditions, whether our society will be one of hope or despair—all of this depends on public officials."

That afternoon, President Lee attended a work report session for public institutions and related agencies at the Blue House, emphasizing, "Isn't it true that the fate of the nation changes depending on how public officials act?"

President Lee Jae-myung is reviewing documents during the public institutions and related agencies work report held at the Blue House Reception Hall on April 17, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee further explained, "As I often say, the fundamental role of our public officials is to carry out the duties entrusted to them by the people," adding, "All the authority, budget, and work we possess come entirely from the citizens."

He went on to stress, "I frequently mention that one hour of a national civil servant is worth 52 million hours. The higher one's position and the greater one's role, the bigger the impact, but even those in the most junior positions are no different in that they are carrying out the work of the nation."

President Lee also said, "Everyone here, and the frontline public officials you lead, have a critical impact on the fate of the nation and the lives of its people," urging, "With that mindset, I hope you will do your utmost."

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