New Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo starts his first day in Sejong

“I am not sure if this is Sejong City the way I envisioned.”

This is what Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo had to say on the first day in office on Monday since his inauguration at the Government Complex Sejong. Lee had resigned as governor of South Chungcheong Province insisting on the construction of "Sejong City in line with the original plan," but he expressed regret over the current reality of the city’s slower-than-expected development.

“I now have more thoughts. I am wondering if this is Sejong City the way I envisioned, and whether this was the best measure,” Lee told reporters on the day. “I feel proud (because Sejong City has been implemented in line with the original plan), but I have regret in certain aspects. We will take time to keep working to improve and develop (the city).”

Prime Minister Lee had an expanded meeting of senior officials that were attended by key officials from the Office for Government Coordination. “As I came here in six years since I resigned as South Chungcheong governor, I had many thoughts about whether it is a historically right thing to have chosen Sejong City, and what Sejong City represents in this era,” he expressed his feelings. “There would be some inconveniences, but I hope you to take a broader view on historic trends in the era of Government Complex Sejong, and think positively.”

“I urge you to agonize over how the Prime Minister’s Office will assist economy-related ministries, and devise policy measures,” Lee said. “I hope you flexibly, proactively and preemptively lead the ministries rather than trying to focus on formality and procedures.”