Visit to the Ministry of Economy and Finance Office and Press Room… No Separate Farewell Ceremony Held
Choi Sang-mok, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, stated in his farewell speech on the 7th, “I feel heavy-hearted and sorry to the public for leaving behind numerous unresolved tasks that the Ministry of Economy and Finance must address, given the stern domestic and international economic conditions.”
On the same day, Choi visited the ministry’s office and the press room to give a brief farewell address. No separate farewell ceremony was held.
In his farewell speech titled “To My Beloved Ministry of Economy and Finance Family,” he expressed, “It is unexpected and unfortunate for me to bid you farewell so suddenly. During the holiday period, I found myself repeatedly writing and erasing in front of the laptop monitor, which resulted in this delayed goodbye.”
Recalling the December 3 martial law incident under former President Yoon Seok-yeol, he expressed gratitude for the support during his 88-day tenure as acting president, saying, “I felt strong and thankful to traverse this unfortunate chapter in our constitutional history together with your help.”
He further added, “The public will remember how you fought daily for national and public stability, disaster response, and to safeguard the national credit rating in an unprecedentedly tense situation.”
He also pointed out, “In the situation where domestic recovery is delayed due to more severe side effects of the complex crisis than expected, the customs shock is exacerbating public hardship,” noting errors in tax revenue forecasting during 2021-2022, which perceived abnormal excess tax revenue due to asset market overheating as a trend change.
Additionally, he expressed regret, stating, “While expanding welfare functions, there remain incomplete tasks like structural reform for economic vitality centered on the private sector.”
Choi emphasized the role of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, including that of public officials. He stated, “I started my public service with expectations for the role of the executive branch, and I have the same thoughts as I leave. The mission given by the public to executive officials is to prioritize national community sustainability by excluding short-term populist decision-making through a scientific analysis of the nation’s long-term future vision, offering practical alternatives through conflict adjustment across various fields and generations.”
He advised, “To remain unwavering, you need the strength to uphold your convictions. That strength comes from the pride of being a public official according to Article 7, Clause 1 of the Constitution, which binds you as a servant to the entire nation and accountable to the people. In challenging times, I hope you strengthen your beliefs and pride as public officials.”
Choi shared his reflections from his tenure, stating, “Thanks to your steady efforts from your respective positions under severe domestic and international conditions, we were able to achieve results such as overcoming complex crises, breaking away from debt-dependence, and expanding welfare for the underprivileged. At the same time, we dreamed of changes together with all of you: a dynamic economy with a virtuous cycle of innovation and mobility, the ministry being a problem solver sincerely connected to the field, innovation in working methods with timeliness, leading a work-life balance culture, and management of T-shaped roles.”
On the 2nd, following the Democratic Party-led submission of an impeachment motion against him in the National Assembly plenary session, Choi expressed his intention to resign to Han Duck-soo, who was then acting president. Acting president Han immediately accepted his resignation, and Lee Joo-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, took over as acting president.
Sejong = Reporter Won Seung-il won@dt.co.kr