President Lee: "Ensure Full Preparation for the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency... Putting Public Interest First Is Crucial for Public Officials"

President Lee Jae-myung Chairs Video Conference of Senior Secretaries on 27th

"Ensure that Ministries’ Oversight Functions Are Working Effectively"

Blue House Denies Speculation About Jeong Seongho’s Resignation, Says "Untrue"

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on an official visit to the United States and three South American countries, received a report on July 26 (local time) regarding the preparations for the launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency. He stressed, "Take every possible precaution" and emphasized, "It is crucial that the distinction between public and private matters and the principle of putting public interests above personal interests are properly observed within the public sector."

Kang Yujeong, Senior Presidential Spokesperson, announced during a local briefing in Brasilia, Brazil, that President Lee gave these directives while presiding over the senior secretaries meeting.

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to Brazil, is presiding over a video senior secretaries meeting at a hotel in Brasilia on the 26th (local time). 2026.7.27 Yonhap News Agency

This senior secretaries meeting was conducted remotely, with President Lee connecting to the presidential office via video conference from the local site. This was his second time chairing a video senior secretaries meeting during an overseas visit, following his previous trip to Italy.

During the meeting, President Lee remarked, "The Office of Civil Affairs is tasked with ensuring that the self-monitoring functions of each ministry are operating properly," and instructed that the office "faithfully fulfill that role."

However, regarding speculation about the resignation of Justice Minister Jeong Seongho, who is currently leading prosecutorial reform efforts including the establishment of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, the presidential office stated, "That is not true." A presidential aide told local reporters, "There has been no confirmation of a resignation offer from Minister Jeong."

Asked whether the President maintains his stance on respecting the National Assembly’s ongoing discussions regarding supplementary investigative powers, the aide replied, "Whatever decision the National Assembly makes, it will be respected," and added, "There are no new supplementary measures at this time, but if any issues arise, we will address them as they come up."

Meanwhile, President Lee received a report from the Office of Public Relations and Communications on the enforcement of the Information and Communication Network Act in response to the spread of disinformation, as well as major developments in this area. President Lee emphasized, "Government agencies must take firm action against cases where public opinion is distorted by false and manipulated information."

President Lee also received a report from Gang Geonjak, the first deputy director for national security, regarding illegal Chinese fishing activities near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea, and ordered a thorough response to the issue. With respect to Security Vice Chief Song Giho’s measures to stabilize the critical minerals supply chain, President Lee stated, "It is necessary to establish an agency to provide constant oversight and response."

Additionally, President Lee highlighted, "By achieving new growth, we can find ways to resolve the persistent issue of income polarization."

He added, "Creating opportunities for new sharing within emerging growth sectors and finding ways to alleviate polarization are key to realizing policies that suppress the strong while supporting the weak and promote a thicker base with a lighter top."

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