President Lee warns against complacency in public service

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has cautioned his administration against a decline in public service discipline, drawing parallels to past governments that faltered due to a lapse in vigilance during their early terms.

"In previous governments, there were frequent cases of losing public trust due to lax public service discipline during periods when tension eased in the early part of their terms," President Lee stated during a senior secretaries' meeting. He stressed the need to treat these historical instances as cautionary tales to avoid repeating similar mistakes.

The president urged his staff to renew their commitment, metaphorically "tying their shoelaces again" as if starting their term anew. This call emphasizes a desire to maintain a high level of diligence and focus throughout his presidency, ensuring that the administration remains responsive and trustworthy in the eyes of the public.