SEOUL: Acting President Lee Ju-ho (pic) led the final Cabinet meeting before the June 3 presidential election on Wednesday (May 28), saying he is sorry the administration's work had to be cut short three years into its term, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Lee has been serving in the triple roles of deputy prime minister, education minister and acting president since early this month as the nation prepares to pick a successor to ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
"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 said during the meeting at the government complex in Seoul.
"I hope that (the next government) will inherit and develop our achievements while taking lessons from our faults to lead the Republic of Korea a step further on the path of prosperity," he said.
Lee highlighted the work of the former Yoon administration in pursuing reforms in the national pension system, healthcare, education and labour.
He particularly noted the administration's contribution to the first pension reform in 18 years, as well as increases in the birth rate, exports and foreign direct investment.
"Still, the people will assess that they fell far short," Lee said. "We must humbly accept criticism and rebuke for the areas that were lacking." - Bernama/Yonhap
