Lee Seok-yeon: "Stepping Down According to President's Wishes... Administration's Integration Philosophy Differs Greatly from Mine"

Lee Seok-Yeon, Chairman of the Presidential National Integration Committee, has announced his intention to resign on September 9.

On September 3, Lee wrote on Facebook, "I wish to step down in accordance with the President's wishes." The National Integration Committee stated, "Chairman Lee's term ends on September 9, 2026," and added, "We hope there will be no misunderstanding, as he is simply announcing his intent to resign upon the expiration of his term."

On July 21, Lee Seok-Yeon, Chairman of the National Integration Committee, is delivering the opening address at the 2026 Generation Field National Dialogue Gyeongsang Region Forum held at Busan Port International Exhibition & Convention Center in Dong-gu, Busan. 2026.7.21 Yonhap News Agency

Lee stated, "Although it was brief, during the past year, I have tried in my own way to promote national unity by recognizing each individual's differences and upholding constitutional values," emphasizing, "I did so because I believe this is the way forward for the Republic of Korea and the path to the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration."

Lee continued, "However, I have come to realize that this administration's thoughts and philosophy regarding national unity differ greatly from my own," and added, "I returned to public office to be loyal to the Constitution, not to the administration."

He went on to say, "If I may express a wish to the President, it would be that the candid advice I offered—sometimes at the risk of being impolite—might be reflected, even in part, in the course of state affairs." He also expressed, "I want to thank all the citizens who have placed their expectations and interest in me. At the same time, I deeply regret that I am stepping down without having been able to fully realize my intentions."

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