Seoul: Acting President Lee Ju-ho led the final Cabinet meeting before the June 3 presidential election on Wednesday, expressing regret that the administration's work was truncated just three years into its term. Lee has been fulfilling the roles of deputy prime minister, education minister, and acting president since early this month as the nation prepares to elect a successor to the ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee expressed his apologies to the citizens for the abrupt conclusion of administrative tasks initially planned for a five-year span. "I am deeply sorry to the people that the administrative tasks that we prepared with five years in mind had to wrap up after three years without completion," he stated during the meeting held at the government complex in Seoul. He also urged the incoming government to build upon the achievements and learn from the shortcomings to guide South Korea towards greater prosperity.
Lee underscored the former Yoon administration's efforts in reforming the national pension system, healthcare, education, and labor sectors. He highlighted the administration's role in achieving the first pension reform in 18 years, as well as in increasing the birth rate, exports, and foreign direct investment. Despite these accomplishments, Lee acknowledged that public perception might be critical. "Still, the people will assess that they fell far short," he admitted, emphasizing the importance of accepting criticism and addressing the areas that were lacking.