Kang Hoonsik on Leaving Blue House: "Every Presidential Apology Felt Like a Dagger"... Why He Decided to Resign

September 18 presidential news conference was the decisive moment
"It was entirely my fault"
"It hurt to hear, 'Why leave when you should be standing by the president?'"
To Lee, whom he served for 499 days: "An outstanding administrator and a goo

"Whenever the person I serve said, 'I fell short' or 'I'm sorry,' it felt as if a dagger were being driven into me."

Kang Hoon Sik, former chief of staff to the president, revealed on October 15 that the press conference on September 18, when he had to watch President Lee Jae Myung apologize, was the decisive moment that led him to decide to resign. Taking responsibility for successive controversies over personnel vetting and criticism of the administration, he also expressed remorse for failing to properly support the president. Twenty-four days after announcing his intention to resign on September 21, his resignation was formally accepted, bringing his 499 days at the Blue House to an end.

President Lee Jae Myung embraces former chief of staff Kang Hoon Sik after presenting him with a plaque of appreciation at the Blue House on the 15th. 2026.10.15 Yonhap News Agency

On his Facebook page that day, Kang wrote, "Hello, I'm Kang Hoon Sik. It's been a long time since I haven't had a title attached to my name," and explained why he had decided to resign and reflected on his departure. "I've been thinking about it for quite some time," he wrote. "There were many painful nights when it seemed that nothing was not my fault. That is probably mostly true."

He said the most painful moment was President Lee's press conference on September 18. At the time, Lee apologized to the public, acknowledging his shortcomings over the decline in his approval ratings and conflicts that had arisen in the course of addressing people's livelihoods, pursuing reform, and promoting unity. He also announced plans to review the personnel system. Kang wrote, "The most painful day was the day of the president's press conference. As chief of staff, I let things reach the point where the president had to apologize. It was entirely my fault."

"After spending a weekend unable to sleep, I had no choice but to tell the president I intended to resign," he added. He explained that after the president's press conference, he spent the weekend deliberating before announcing his intention to resign on September 21.

At the time, Kang was facing calls to take responsibility for failures in vetting candidates, including Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Yong Hyein and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism nominee Kim Seungwon. Critics argued that it was difficult for the chief of staff to avoid political responsibility for the personnel controversy, since the position also carries the role of chairing the personnel committee.

Kang also addressed the criticism that followed his announcement that he intended to resign. "I have listened to and read all of the public reaction since then," he wrote. "I will have an opportunity to explain the parts that are not true, and I could accept most of the criticism."

However, he expressed anguish over criticism that it was inappropriate to step down at a time when he should be supporting the president more steadfastly. "It hurt a lot to hear people ask why I was leaving when I should be standing by the president even more firmly," he wrote. "I am sorry. Even so, I remain convinced that taking responsibility is the right thing to do."

Kang said that President Lee had accepted his resignation that day. The previous day, Kang had personally announced the appointment of new chief of staff Lim Gwanghyeon at the Blue House's Chunchugwan briefing room, effectively completing his final official duty. With his departure procedures finalized that day, he wrote, "I thought everything would flash before my eyes, but all I can keep thinking is how lucky I was." He expressed gratitude to the residents of Asan, South Chungcheong Province, who had supported him as he grew politically, as well as to President Lee and Blue House staff.

He also conveyed his trust and affection for President Lee. "The president is a good person," Kang wrote, describing him as "an outstanding administrator and a politician who never forgets that he is a representative, but above all, a good person." He added, "There were many moments when I was impressed while serving him. Wanting to do a better job in step with him was the greatest force that kept me going for 499 days. The world he let me learn about by watching him was boundless."

The previous day, President Lee had also expressed his gratitude to Kang on social media, saying, "You played a major role in stabilizing the government of popular sovereignty, which began in a barren field, and normalizing state affairs at an early stage." To his successor, Lim, Lee said, "I believe and hope you will do as well as Hoon Sik, if not better."

President Lee Jae-myung presents a plaque of appreciation to former chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik at the Blue House on October 15, 2026. Yonhap News, October 15, 2026.

Kang also stressed that his departure would not disrupt the Blue House's administration of state affairs. "The Blue House will always maintain an unwavering formation, regardless of my personal circumstances," he wrote. "The new chief of staff and the most capable aides I have ever met will be there to provide steadfast support, so there is no need to worry."

Looking back on his 499 days in public service, Kang wrote, "I also look back on the days when I was impatient because I wanted to repay that support. I will remember for a long time the moments when I could have done better and the matters I should have considered more deeply." He concluded, "I was wholly and wholeheartedly grateful. I will greet you again someday."

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