President Lee Urges Civil Servants to Take Responsibility for Nation's Future

President Lee Jae-myung on Sunday urged government officials to work with a sense of responsibility, saying the nation's future and the lives of the next generation depend on them, during his first ministry-level work briefings since taking office.

"I ask you to work diligently with a sense of responsibility, keeping in mind that the future of this country and the lives of the next generation depend on you," Lee said.

The president received briefings from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Data Agency along with their affiliated organizations at the Government Sejong Convention Center in Sejong City.

The briefing session was broadcast live in its entirety for the first time in history, reflecting Lee's commitment to transparency in state affairs.

"You are the people who hold the lives of 52 million citizens in your hands," Lee emphasized in his opening remarks. "You possess enormous power that can entirely determine the fate of the nation and the course of individuals' lives. The destiny of a country depends on the attitude, capability, and dedication of its public servants."

Lee drew historical parallels, noting that "King Seonjo of the Joseon Dynasty brought about a situation where millions of people faced death and the land was devastated, while King Jeongjo, facing equally dangerous circumstances, built a shining nation in East Asia."

"The outcomes can be truly different depending on how one acts," he said.

The president also defended the civil service against common criticism. "If the majority of public servants had strayed from their duties to pursue personal interests, been lazy, or incompetent as commonly misconceived, could this country have grown and developed to this extent?" he asked.

"The overwhelming majority faithfully perform their original roles, study hard, and strive to work fairly and for the public good," Lee said.

"At a time when the international order is in turmoil and we stand at a domestic crossroads, the future of this country and the lives of the next generation depend on you public servants," he concluded. "I am confident that you will work diligently with a sense of responsibility."