Lee Jae Myung has yet to decide on accepting chief secretary Kang Hoon-sik's resignation
President Lee Jae Myung said on the 21st that he had not yet decided whether to accept the resignation tendered by Kang Hoon-sik, chief presidential secretary (the president's top aide). Speaking at a meeting with senior secretaries at the Blue House that day, President Lee said, "It seems our chief secretary has finally decided to try his hand at graduation," before adding, "I haven't yet decided what to do." The term 'graduation' is interpreted as referring to Kang's resignation in response to demands for a shake-up of the presidential staff. Whether to accept Kang's resignation rests with President Lee's decision.
President Lee also encouraged his aides. "Many people, including the chief secretary, have worked hard through a long and physically demanding period," he said, "but I hope you can take comfort in the thought that these hardships may not be so great compared to the difficulties our people face in their daily lives on the ground."
He also stressed the need to pace reforms. "To build a better world, we have no choice but to fix the irrational systems that exist now," President Lee said. "There are inevitably people who will face some disadvantages in this (reform) process, and I ask them to make small concessions and show understanding for the sake of all of us and a better Republic of Korea." He went on to say, "I understand the desire to bring about enormous change all at once," but added, "We must also take into account those who stand in opposition. To bring about sustained and greater change, we need to be more patient and give careful thought to dialogue, methods, and process."
President Lee said, "Given a bit more time, people will feel the changes in their daily lives," adding, "My administration and I have continued, without losing our original resolve, to carry out the many things we promised the people. The reason this government exists is to create better lives for the people and a better future for the country. Though we fall short, we will keep striving going forward."
