Leaving a job is an important moment that marks a new beginning, but what can you say on this special occasion to convey your sincerity? Whether you’re sending off a coworker, your boss, or yourself, we’ve put together a variety of examples of resignation greetings that express your regrets, gratitude, and best wishes for the future.

Attorney General departure letter

Dear Justice and Prosecution Family, Today I am leaving the Department of Justice after more than a year and seven months of service. As I say goodbye, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for the time we have shared.
I have spent the last 32 years of my public service in the Ministry of Justice and Public Prosecution, half of them at the Ministry’s headquarters and the other half in the prosecutors’ offices. This is the place where I have spent all my youth and passion, and it has been my home away from home. The people I have worked with in the Ministry of Justice and Public Prosecution have become closer and more precious to me than any other family. For me, the Ministry of Justice and Public Prosecution has always been there, like the sun and the air, and its very existence has been a source of great strength. It is with mixed emotions that I am leaving you now.
Since taking office as Minister of Justice in the first cabinet of the new government, I have encountered a number of unexpected events that have made me realize the importance and weight of the administration of justice. In particular, the candlelight vigil that lasted for more than 100 days last year made me reflect on the meaning of society and the rule of law. In addition, the shocking death of the former president, and the resulting vacuum in the leadership of the prosecution, was a great trial for both me and you, and caused many sleepless nights. As such, I am sure you have felt with me that the road to upholding the rule of law has never been smooth.
But it hasn’t all been hard work, and thanks to your dedicated efforts, we have achieved many rewarding results. From the beginning of my tenure, I made it a priority to “restore order,” and I traveled the country working to lay the foundation for the rule of law. Along the way, I was proud to see small changes taking place across the country, thanks to the solidarity and dedication of our legal and prosecutorial families. At times, the media referred to me as “Mr. Law and Order,” a nickname that was both undeserved and a source of pride.
In addition, the Ministry of Justice has been working hard to overhaul various legal systems to improve the business environment and help revitalize the economy, and it was a very meaningful experience to be recognized as contributing to the revitalization of the economy.
In addition, we worked to ensure that the warmth of the law reaches the marginalized common people. We reduced fines for people in financial difficulty and expanded rescue grants for crime victims. The “Love Hand in Hand Movement” was a meaningful activity that brought a little hope to those in need, such as the heads of households of boys and girls, and was spread widely through the warmth of everyone’s hearts.
Many achievements were also made in the integration of multicultural families and the establishment of orderly residence for foreigners. The opening of edification stations, the establishment of vocational training prisons and halfway houses have made a significant difference in correctional administration. These are the results of the efforts of employees in each department, and I am deeply grateful for their efforts. All of these achievements were made possible thanks to the hard work of all of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
But, my dear judicial and prosecutorial family, although we have made many achievements, there is still a long way to go. If we stop or slacken in this work, the rule of law could break down again. The movement must continue until common sense prevails in our society that upholding the law is a benefit and breaking the law is a detriment, and “principle and moderation” should be the guiding principle in all we do. No matter how pressing the situation may be, upholding principles is the only way to earn the trust of the public.
It is also fundamental for public officials to stand with those in need and share their pain. There are still many people around us who need help, and our society will be stronger and more unified if we extend a warm hand to them instead of turning a blind eye to their suffering.
Meanwhile, legal and prosecution organizations must always have a clear sense of purpose and constantly learn and innovate to achieve it. There is a huge difference over time between an organization that just does its job out of habit and one that pursues growth and learning with clear goals. Vietnamese spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “Life is a process of constantly learning and climbing the ladder. Don’t settle for one rung, but challenge yourself to climb higher.” This is the same attitude we need to take in the Department of Justice.
The Department of Justice, in particular, is a diverse organization, with government employees from all walks of life playing different roles. It’s a proud tradition, and we should be proud of it, but there are times when we are criticized for falling short of the public’s expectations. We should not only feel resentful of such criticism, but also reflect on ourselves and see if there is anything we can do to improve. In addition to improving the system, it is also essential to change the mindset of those who implement it in order to gain the trust of the public.
I regret that I will not be able to fulfill all of the tasks that the Ministry of Justice and Prosecution must accomplish and leave them to my successors, but I am confident that you will accomplish them, and it will be my great pleasure to see your achievements in the future. The new Minister, Mr. Lee Guinam, is a man of great competence and vision. I look forward to working with him to further develop the Ministry of Justice and Prosecution.
My beloved family, I am about to end my 32 years of public service, including my one year and seven months as Minister of Justice, and I hope I leave you with a beautiful memory. In the words of Pope John Paul II, I have been happy in this position, and I hope you all have been happy. Once again, I deeply thank you for the undeserved love you have shown me over the years, and I bid you all farewell.

Outgoing Minister of Unification

Dear employees, today I am leaving my position as Minister of Unification. As I stand here, the events of the past year come flooding back before my eyes. Looking back, the past year has been a time of great change for the Ministry of Unification: a new regime, a move to a new home, and the establishment of a new North Korea policy. The time I spent with you in this process, thinking, exploring, and working together, has been very meaningful and precious to me.
Over the past time, the international situation has changed drastically, the regime has changed, and the needs of the people have changed in various ways. Under these circumstances, we have established a new paradigm for North Korea policy based on the President’s national philosophy. What the Republic of Korea aspires to, and what the President has pursued, is a relationship of mutual benefit and co-prosperity. By doing so, we have set the direction for inter-Korean relations to become a relationship of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, rather than one of confrontation. By solidifying this forward-looking and positive direction for North Korea policy, I have sought to reduce conflicts among the people and confusion within the government.
In particular, I have never hesitated to uphold my principles to ensure the robust development of inter-Korean relations. Although many people misunderstood that inter-Korean relations were stalled, last year actually saw the largest inter-Korean people-to-people exchanges and cooperation since they began. This achievement is due to your efforts. They are all the more precious because they have been managed and led by all of us together, and I am deeply grateful for your dedication and hard work.
However, the road has not been smooth, and we faced a difficult situation when the dialogue was unilaterally suspended, and inter-Korean relations began to strain due to North Korea’s accusations. Shocking events such as the deaths of tourists on Mount Kumgang occurred, travel between the two Koreas was restricted by North Korea, and the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue did not progress as much as we had hoped. Nevertheless, we have been doing our best to stabilize the country’s situation day by day, and I know better than anyone that you have been doing your best to fulfill your duties for the national interest in the face of so many difficulties. As Minister, I have never forgotten your efforts, and I am deeply grateful for them.
My dear colleagues, I am leaving public service today, 36 years after I started in 1973. I am proud to have been able to serve as a public servant of a country for all these years, and I am sincerely grateful to the country and its people for giving me such an honor. Since my days as a diplomat, the issue of reunification has been an important task that has run through my public life, and I was able to deepen its meaning by participating in the inter-Korean summit in 2000. I also had the opportunity to consider the fundamental strategy for inter-Korean relations and explore the path to reunification as a Foreign Minister and Ambassador to China. I am honored and grateful that I have been given the opportunity to serve as Minister of Unification as my last public service.
Throughout my public service career, I have always had the mindset of working sincerely for the country and the people and leaving office with honor. I always reflected on myself with my last appearance in mind, carefully considered my words and actions, and strived to do my best in my work. I never coveted or solicited the position I was entrusted with, and I was never dissatisfied with the work I was given, but only faithfully performed my official duties. All of this time as a public servant has been an invaluable learning and growth experience for me, which has helped me develop a strong belief in peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula.
As your senior, as a public servant, I would like to give a few words of advice to you, my juniors. First, be grateful for everything and have a heart that loves people. It is important to accept everything that happens to you with gratitude, even if it is uncomfortable. Love for people and work is what enables us to be loved by people and enjoy our work. Mencius once said, “Love a person, but if he does not love me, see if my love is lacking” (愛人不親 反其仁). Those of us who deal with inter-Korean relations should have a heart of love, especially for North Korea and its people. If we truly love and understand them, I believe that one day our sincerity will be conveyed to North Korea.
Second, we must be honest and upright as public servants. To accomplish the historic task of reunification, we must be truthful and upright. Even if it is difficult and sometimes our efforts are not immediately recognized, history will remember and evaluate our steps. The reunification of the two Koreas is an important event that will bring great change and development to our nation. I hope that we will always keep this sense of duty and pride in our hearts and move forward unwaveringly.
Third, we must continue to learn and prepare. Unification may come when we least expect it, and in ways we do not anticipate. Only those who are prepared will be able to take the lead in facing that moment. We must develop deep insight to see through North Korea, inclusiveness to win the hearts and minds of the people, and the capacity to enlist the support and cooperation of the international community. As you strive to build these capabilities in your respective positions, we will grow into a force that can usher in a new era of history for the great Korean peninsula.
To my beloved staff, in closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you. Although I am leaving the Ministry of Unification today, the Ministry will always remain in my heart, and I am deeply grateful to all of you who have helped me fulfill my duties as Minister of Unification despite my shortcomings. I will never forget how you worked day and night with pure passion for the reunification of the Korean Peninsula, even under harsh conditions.
I will continue to contribute to the reunification and prosperity of the Korean people wherever I can. The new minister, Hyun In-taek, has the expertise and experience to realize a win-win North Korea policy and take inter-Korean relations to the next level. I hope you will serve and support the new minister well and open a new era of inter-Korean relations together. I sincerely wish you and your family all the happiness and good fortune in the world. Thank you.

Principal’s outgoing seasonal greetings

hello. I am ○○○, a teacher for 9 years and currently working at ○○ Elementary School. Today I am greeting you on a special occasion, the principal’s retirement ceremony. The sky is clear and transparent today, marking the end of autumn, whether or not the sky knows that we don’t want to let go of our teacher. It’s a moment of sadness and gratitude as we realize we have to let go.
Our principal always had a special place in his heart for November. He used to say that December was too soon to wrap up the year, and that November was the best time for reflection and introspection. Now that he’s retiring in his favorite month, we’re honored to be a part of it, but it’s still hard to let him go.
I have something to thank you for. I remember in one of our meetings, you looked at me and said, “You’re so pretty, I wish I could carry you in my pocket,” and I was so grateful for that, and it was such an encouraging thing to hear, even though I was chubbier than I am now, and I didn’t have a pocket to carry you in, and I didn’t think anyone would carry me in their pocket, but it was a great encouragement. He gave the same affection not only to me but also to my classmates, and the way he treated all of his students equally made it even more special to me.
Your warmth and fairness have always been a source of admiration and an example to us younger students. Your philosophy of honesty and humility in education, and the footsteps you have taken, will remain with all of us for many years to come.
I am worried about the loss you will feel after you retire, but I believe that you will continue to be yourself wherever you go, as you have always been. You are not attached to positions or honors, and you have always lived a life of integrity and truth, even when no one is looking, and I believe that you will continue to be respected by everyone with your kind smile and warmth, whether it is in the neighborhood, at your favorite store, or at a sports meeting.
I also think it’s time for you to serve your wife, who has always gotten up early in the morning to make the principal’s favorite cheonggukjang, and now that she is in charge of education as an assistant principal, it’s time for you to become the ‘king of the family’ to help and support her. I’m sure you’ll be a great support at home as well, right, Mr. Vice Principal?
Whenever we think about your children, we often wonder if you’re not a good enough parent, but we think you’re too good of a parent. We believe your children will take your heartfelt teachings to heart and lead a wonderful life. We believe that your high character and deep love will remain a great asset to your children, and your proud descendants will flourish in the future.
Your path will also be an example to us younger students, and we sincerely thank you for being a great example to us, and we promise to remember and imitate your teachings and do our best in the field of education.
We wish you good health and happiness in the future. Sincerely, Principal, I will always honor you.

Principal’s Retirement Ceremony Principal’s Season’s Greetings

Hello, everyone!
The end of another year is upon us, and as the last of the fall colors fade and the chilly winds blow, it’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown by. It seems like the first day of this year was just yesterday, and the first day of November was just yesterday, and it’s hard to believe it’s already flown by. What makes it even more bittersweet is that today is the day we say goodbye to our principal for the last time.
Someone once said that the most important things in life are the encounters you make, and for me, my encounters with Mr. Hwang are more than just a connection, they are a cherished memory, and I’m sure it’s the same for all of my fellow teachers here and our lovely students.
You always cared for the children with a gentle smile, and you brought strict principles and fairness to the management of the school. Your example of leading the school with love and virtue has always been an inspiration to us. You have always led by example, quietly inspecting every corner of the school, leading by example, and giving us heartfelt encouragement with inspirational quotes and warm letters. In your touch and in your words, you have always shown your deep love for the children and trust in the staff.
He was a true leader, strong yet gentle, cold yet warm, giving us all his impartial attention and care. With the heart of a caring parent, he always had our backs, and he left a lasting impression as a teacher and life guide.
As we sit here today, we can recall many of the things you said to us, and they are deeply etched in our hearts. We give you our love and respect, and through you, we have come to realize what the true path of a teacher is. Under your big tree, we have enjoyed the shade and comfort of your presence, and we have always been grateful.
Now you are leaving this school, but the precious time and memories you shared with all of us will remain forever. Your teaching and warm heart have been a great blessing and a precious companion for all of us, staff, students, and parents. Even if you leave the school, you will always remain in our hearts as a beautiful and brilliant teacher’s fragrance.
Sir, we sincerely wish you good health and happiness as you embark on a new beginning. We believe that today’s farewell is another beginning, and we will always support you. Thank you.

Principal’s Season’s Greetings on your departure

Hello, everyone!
The year is coming to an end, and the increasingly cold winds are heralding the coming winter. This morning, I found myself huddled up with my hands together. With the weather getting this cold, it feels like fall has come to an end and winter has truly begun. As we move from month to month, we’re already nearing the end of the year, and it’s amazing how quickly time flies. We can’t stop time from passing, but what we can do is find meaning in it, harmonize our lives, and make each day count.
There is one person who always manages his time well, leads time instead of being led by it, and lives each day to the fullest. This is today’s protagonist, Mr. ○○○. It’s been nine years since I first met her. It’s a moment that makes me realize how fast time flies. I have mixed feelings when I think about the fact that it’s been nine years and it’s time to say goodbye.
Today is the last day of Mr. ○○○’s teaching career, and he has been an inspiration to many of his colleagues because of his self-care. In the last ○○ years of her teaching career, she has never wavered from her path. From the first day she stepped foot in the school to now, she has persevered through the hardships, fulfilled her calling, and given those around her the opportunity to learn from her.
I was there when you first started teaching, and I’m here today to celebrate your retirement with you, and I think it’s a very special connection. You were always quiet, and you were never shy about sharing your happiness, but you were always full of sincerity. Your quiet way of being touched the hearts of your colleagues, especially me.
I’m sure that not only me, but also many of my colleagues were able to draw strength from you, as you were a rock that I could rely on, and that’s what makes your absence all the more painful. It’s unfortunate that time has flown by so quickly, and it’s only now, after all these years, that I’m thinking about saying goodbye to you. I can only realize now how precious and valuable the time we had together was.
As a senior, you always gave us warm encouragement and advice, and as you often said, “30 seconds on the lips, 30 years in the heart”, I hope you will keep only good memories of our time together. We regret the things we didn’t do well for you in the past, but we will never forget the good memories you left us with.
Now, as the saying goes, we will accept the order of meeting and parting and support you in your new life. As they say, life begins at 60, and we wish you happiness and health in your new beginning. We hope you continue to take care of your health and spend many happy days with your family.
Your dedication and sincerity will be an inspiration to many people for a long time to come. Thank you.

Outgoing Village Mayor’s Greetings

Greetings, residents of ○○ Village, I’m ○○○, your village mayor.
I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my feelings about coming to ○○ Village. If there is a place that you don’t visit often, but when you do, you want to stay for a long time, a place that warms your heart, and a place that always and everywhere fills your heart with warmth, it is this place. It is like a “home away from home” for me, and I feel great joy and gratitude to stand here again.
We often say “home is where the heart is”. For me, that home is ○○-dong, a place that holds a special place in my public life and a place I feel deeply about as a citizen. In just a few days, Korea’s most important day, Gaecheon, will be celebrated, and as we reflect on our country’s beginnings, I am grateful that I have this country to call home and ○○-dong to shelter my heart. I want to always keep this hometown in my heart.
In my 31 years of public service, ○○-dong has been an unforgettable place. In June 2000, I was promoted to the 6th grade and was assigned to my first duty station, and the moments I shared with the residents for three years and two months gave me great growth and meaning. I will never forget the time when you warmly embraced my inadequacies and guided me with your generous support, and I think it was because of this connection that I felt even more welcomed and happy when I returned to ○○-dong as the director.
When I look back on the past two and a half years with you, I realize that it has been a time filled with reward and happiness. As public service is never perfect, I personally regret that I could not have served and helped you better. I believe that communicating and empathizing with citizens should be a top priority as a public servant, and I’m sure I’ve fallen short in some areas, but I’m deeply grateful to the residents for their warmth and support.
We go through many places and meet many people in our lifetime. But among them, there are special places and special people. For me, ○○-dong and all of you are such special people. The beautiful memories and memories formed during our precious moments together will remain in my heart for a long time, and will be a great support even when I go to other departments.
In closing, I would like to make a request: The times are constantly changing, and finding new possibilities and developing is the key to success. The residents of ○○-dong have as high a sense of civic engagement and unlimited possibilities as any village in the country. I hope you will join forces with the new mayor to make ○○-dong the best place to live in the country. I wish you all the best for the future development of ○○-dong, and I will always be there whenever you need me.
Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped me in the past, and I hope that ○○-dong will continue to develop into a warm and livable town. Thank you.

Retirement Message from the Vice Minister of Finance

Dear family members of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, I am retiring today after nearly 30 years of public service, which began in May 1979, and as I write this farewell letter to you, I am filled with emotions, and the moments of my short public service are passing through my mind in a panorama, like a train going back in time in the movie ‘Mint Candy’.
From the moment I first stepped into the public service, I knew in my heart that this path was not just for personal fulfillment, but for dedication to the country and its people. As a public servant, I hoped that my presence and efforts would bring about positive changes in the lives of the people, not just achievements. Public service has hardened me with its weighty responsibilities, and now that I am leaving the public service, I feel that weight deeply in my heart and am reminded of my gratitude.
It seems like only yesterday that I was so ambitious as a clerk clerk, vowing in my heart to walk the straight and narrow as I realized what a public servant should be. I can also see myself and my family overjoyed when, in April 1992, after 13 years of public service, I was finally promoted to the rank of clerk. The excitement of starting my first assignment as Chief of the Consumer Policy Division, the sense of accomplishment of finalizing the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement as Chief of the Bureau of Economic Cooperation, and the enthusiasm of shaking hands with each and every one of you on a hot summer day last year as Deputy Secretary are just a few of the memories I will never forget.
I am truly honored to have been given the opportunity to serve my country and its people in this capacity, and as I look back, the past three decades of public service will be cherished and appreciated because they have been marked by more successes than setbacks, more accomplishments than failures, and more rewards and happiness than disappointment or sadness.
In particular, I personally feel infinite pride and gratitude for the position of First Minister of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, which I have held since I was given the enormous task of overcoming the internal and external economic difficulties. The fact that inflation last year was close to the government’s forecast despite difficult conditions, that we worked hard to prevent the spread of crisis theories by protecting foreign exchange reserves at the $200 billion level, that we worked together to come up with comprehensive measures to overcome the unprecedented economic difficulties, that we went to the front lines as a policy salesman and worked tirelessly on external activities, and that we worked hard as an organizational manager to ensure a soft landing for the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, which was launched as a merger of two ministries, are the great rewards of being a deputy minister.
I would like to say that this position has been a school of life for me, reflecting on how valuable the moments I have experienced as a member of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance have been, and how much I have grown by working with you. I believe that the achievements that we have made in the process of setting the direction and implementing policies, while overcoming big and small obstacles, are a testament to the life of a true public servant.
However, I am saddened and sorry that I am leaving you with the heavy burden of navigating the economic situation at a stage when the prospect of further difficulties is becoming increasingly realized. I regret that I will not be able to leave you with credible solutions and alternatives, from the most urgent issues that need to be addressed immediately, such as jobs, to the policy challenges of creating new growth engines for our economy in the future, such as green growth.
However, I will leave with a lighter heart because I believe in the abilities and enthusiasm of my colleagues and juniors, and I have no doubt that if we continue to work with the same attitude and confidence with which we have been doing our jobs, our economy will soon overcome the current difficulties and make a new leap forward. I would like to conclude my farewell remarks by summarizing some of my impressions from my short public career, even though it was not a path of resignation.
First, I would like to recommend that we approach economic phenomena with a balanced approach, adhering to the principle of moderation. I believe that even the most difficult problems will be solved if you ask yourself what is truly in the national interest and search for solutions with an attitude of due diligence. I hope that you will always remember the expectations of the people and consider policies that can have a real impact on their lives.
Second, before making a decision, listen to everyone’s opinions impartially, believing that there is truth in even just 1% of opposing opinions, and try to stick to your own principles, no matter how difficult it is, rather than being swept along by the herd mentality and going down the path of conformity.
Third, don’t take lightly the use of a single word, a single term, to convey an understated, consistent, and clear message to the marketplace. You want to sell your policies to the people on a foundation of hope and affirmation that there is still half a glass, rather than complaining that there is only half a glass when the cup is half full.
Fourth, when formulating economic policies, be careful not to reward irresponsible investors too much for the failure of your policies. And if you implement your policies with the attitude of nulunminhaeng (訥言敏行), which means that a soldier should be slow to speak but quick to act, the people will feel better about your policies.
Fifth, cultivate your own public life with the attitude of pioneering the road less traveled. If you have the opportunity, don’t be afraid to work in other ministries. It will give you a chance to understand other ministries’ positions and broaden your horizons beyond the frog-in-a-well mentality. Collaboration with other departments will also be a great asset in solving complex economic problems in the future.
This is the kind of life I will continue to strive for in the future, and although I can’t yet fathom what the road ahead of me will look like, I see it as the beginning of the second act of a new life. Just as graduation marks not an end, but a new beginning, the end of my time in public service marks another beginning for me, so I think I can face tomorrow with a little bit of excitement and a little bit of peace.
In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to ask for the understanding of those who may have been hurt by my words and actions, or suffered from my lack of consideration, that I did not do so out of selfishness, but as an inevitable consequence of following the greater good. I hope that whenever I have the opportunity to meet with such people, we can have a drink and console and comfort each other as human beings, not as superiors and subordinates.
I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my sincere gratitude to the members of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance family who have always guided me to make the right choices so that I could reach the honorable position of Vice Minister and perform my public service with integrity. Now, I would like to wish all of you in the Ministry of Strategy and Finance family good health during the cold winter weather and best wishes for the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays. Thank you.

Farewell to the Director of Legal Affairs

Honored employees of the Ministry of Strategy and Finance!
Today, I am writing to you for the last time as the 28th Minister of Justice of the Republic of Korea.
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who have worked together to fulfill my duties as Chief Legal Affairs Officer from the inauguration of the Lee Myung-bak administration to today. During my time with you, the Legal Affairs Division has been committed to continuous innovation and the development of a people-centered legal system, and I believe that we have made great strides in establishing new values of the rule of law and fairness.
For two and a half years, I have worked selflessly with you to advance the rule of law and the administration of justice in Korea in accordance with the Constitution and the spirit of the law. My greatest wish was that our office would contribute to making a real difference in the lives of the people and improve the convenience of life. During this period, our office has faithfully carried out its core tasks of reviewing laws and regulations, interpreting laws and regulations, and providing consumer-oriented information on laws and regulations in order to resolve public inconveniences, facilitate business activities, and especially consider the socially disadvantaged and vulnerable. We have also taken the lead in implementing the rule of law and protecting people’s rights and interests by promoting the “easy-to-understand laws and regulations” movement to make laws and regulations one step closer to the people.
These achievements are the result of the passionate efforts of all of you, based on your expertise and sincerity in the legal system, and in particular, in both the first half and the second half of 2009, our major work was rated as excellent (the highest grade) in the government work evaluation organized by the Prime Minister’s Office under the theme of “Boldly improving the legal system to revitalize the economy and resolve public inconveniences.” This was a valuable recognition of our efforts to innovate the legal system in line with the public’s expectations, and an affirmation of our unwavering mission to communicate with the public and build a legal system for the people. It is also a testament to the integrity and dedication of our employees that we have been ranked as an excellent or superior institution in the 2008 and 2009 integrity assessments. In this way, we have earned the public’s trust and set an example for the administration of the rule of law.
My parting words to you
My fellow DOJ employees!
As I leave the Office, I would like to offer a few words of encouragement.
First, despite the clarity of constitutional principles, anomalies that undermine them should not be allowed to prevail. Democratic values and the rule of law are not only about the ends, but also about the means and procedures. Procedural justice, or due process, must be upheld, no matter how slow and difficult it may be. In doing so, we uphold the core values of democracy: fairness and trust.
It is not true rule of law to impose compliance with the law only on the disadvantaged. The law applies fairly to everyone, and those in power must also abide by the principles of procedural justice set forth in the constitution and laws. In administrative work, it is important to prepare laws that people can abide by, and to operate the legal system with the eyes of the people. We must realize the true rule of law through a legal system that people can feel, a legal system that brings real benefits to their daily lives.
I have always believed that it is not enough to have a complete legal system. No matter how perfect the laws are, if they do not actually protect and improve people’s lives, they will be merely nominal and decorative. Laws that inconvenience people’s daily lives, or neglect the legal rights of the weak and minorities, must be continuously improved. A law that cannot capture the tears and sighs of the socially disadvantaged cannot be called a true law. This is based on the spirit of yi lawyuin, or law is for the people, which is what the legal system has been pursuing for a long time, and I hope that the legal system will not lose this direction in the future.
Furthermore, we are not just an institution that makes laws, but we also play a role in creating a people-centered society through laws that directly affect people’s lives, so please remember with pride that each and every one of you has the power and responsibility to lead people’s lives in a better direction. Your role in upholding the law at the forefront of the rule of law in Korea is vital.
Cherished memories and new beginnings ahead
Although today is my last official day at the Legal Affairs Division, my heart will always be with you and I will continue to actively support the Division and you in any way I can. Over the past two and a half years, I have made many memories with you, not only in terms of professional achievements, but also in terms of memories of our time together, especially the time we spent in workshops and the time we spent playing dodgeball. These interactions and exchanges with you have become precious memories of my time at the Legal Affairs Office, and I hope to continue them in the future.
I hope that you will continue to strive for the development of the legal system and the establishment of the rule of law. I look forward to working with the incoming Chief Prosecutor, Mr. Chung Sun-tae, to further develop the work that I have not accomplished.
Finally, I hope that my departure today will mark the beginning of new opportunities for both me and you. In that spirit, I’d like to end my farewell remarks with a line from a poem by the Southern Song Dynasty Chinese poet Yuk Yu that I’ve always enjoyed.
Just when it seems that the road has come to an end, with mountains piled on top of each other and waters repeatedly blocking the way, another village appears where green willows and bright flowers bloom, and a new beginning is at hand.
I wish you and your organization the very best for the future. Thank you.

Retiring Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services

Honorable colleagues at the Department of Health and Human Services!
Today, I am leaving the Department of Health and Human Services and the people I have known for so long. At this moment, the memories of the many years of working together with you are flashing through my mind. Now, I am leaving with the precious memories and accomplishments that I have shared with you deep in my heart, and as I stand here, I am filled with regret and gratitude for my time here.
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of my colleagues at the Department of Health and Human Services. It is thanks to your passion and dedication that I have been able to stand here today, having achieved great and small achievements over the past 30 years of service. Over the years, the health and welfare policy has achieved remarkable growth in both quality and quantity. We often refer to our economic development as a “miracle,” but I believe that the social development of our wealth is equally miraculous. Your dedication to the lives and welfare of the people has been the driving force behind this miracle.
In particular, Korea has built a globally exemplary healthcare system and infrastructure, and established a solid social safety net for all citizens to live in peace. A stable welfare delivery system has been put in place, enabling the people to protect their health and improve their quality of life. This was made possible by the hard work and dedication of all of you who have struggled to do your best in your respective positions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again from the bottom of my heart, and to remind you that all the credit belongs to you.
Now, as I leave the Ministry of Health and Welfare, I would like to make a few assurances that the Ministry will continue to play an important role in the development of the country and the well-being of the people.
First, I believe that public officials should always walk the walk for the people and the nation. In carrying out our official duties, the standard of judgment should always be the interests of the nation and the happiness of the people, and we should always remember that our actions and dispositions are in the eyes of the people. At every choice we make, we will have to act fairly and transparently in the eyes of the people. This is a no-brainer, but it is never easy to put into practice. When you walk this difficult path unwaveringly, the Ministry of Health and Welfare will further win the trust of the people.
Second, I believe that public servants should constantly strive to improve the work they do. Serving in public office is more than just doing your job; it’s a meaningful mission to help improve people’s lives. If you don’t have the mindset to make even small improvements every day, it’s hard to feel rewarded and valued as a public servant. If we all strive to get better in our respective positions, the results will surely make a big difference in our society.
Third, I want our employees to trust and harmonize with each other. When we communicate and cooperate with each other with respect and cordiality, the momentum of our work will be multiplied. When bosses care about their subordinates and subordinates respect their bosses, and when there is healthy competition and encouragement among colleagues, not only will the organization grow, but we will all work in a happier environment. If we have a strong sense of solidarity with each other, we will be able to overcome any challenges that come our way.
In closing, I would like to ask for your understanding and patience if there is anything I have done during my tenure. I’ve always strived to be fair and reasonable, but if I’ve missed the mark or inconvenienced you in any way, I hope you’ll forgive me.
Now, I’m laying down my baggage and moving on to a new beginning. It is with a sense of relief, but also with a sense of regret and emptiness that I lay down this burden that I have carried for so long. No matter where I am in the future, I will never stop cheering for the Ministry of Health and Welfare and for your future, and I will always pray that Korea’s health and welfare policies will become more firmly established and developed.
To my dear colleagues, I wish you good health and happiness. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who have stood by my side until now, and I sincerely hope that you will continue to achieve brilliant and rewarding results in your respective positions.
Thank you.

Prime Minister’s retirement message

Honorable people, and fellow public servants across the country, the time has come for me to leave. From the moment I first stepped into public office until today, it has always been a position of great responsibility and reward. I am reminded that the beginning of a meeting is a harbinger of departure. When I was sworn in as the 39th Prime Minister in February 2008, I regarded the development of our country and service to the people as my greatest mission. While working for the people, I had a simple sense of patriotism and wanted to do my best to create a country that would not be ashamed of posterity through ‘honest service’ and ‘fair policies’. I will leave the final assessment of my performance as the 39th Prime Minister to history.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those in Korea and abroad who have helped me to end my 20 years of public service so honorably today. First of all, I would like to thank my fellow public servants who stood by me to the end despite the difficulties in realizing my policies, and President Lee Myung-bak for giving me the opportunity to serve the nation by selecting me as the first prime minister, a man of genius in many ways. I would also like to thank the members of the National Security Council and other public officials across the country for their active cooperation and support, and I am especially grateful for the sacrifices and service of our police officers and former and current police officers, who work every day in the field to protect the lives and property of the people. I am also heartened by the soldiers of the Armed Forces, who have steadfastly defended the homeland amid the uncertain security environment of inter-Korean relations, which has been strained by North Korea’s nuclear development and long-range missile launches. I would also like to thank the entire staff of the Prime Minister’s Office for their hard work and dedication in running the country every day.
Honorable public servants, I leave the office of the Prime Minister with the utmost commitment to the duties of the office of the Prime Minister as prescribed by the Constitution. Article 86(2) of our Constitution provides that “The Prime Minister shall assist the President and shall be responsible for the administration of the State through the Executive Office of the President.” As Prime Minister, I have endeavored to strictly adhere to the spirit of the Constitution and have taken pride in performing public duties for the people and implementing sound policies. At the first cabinet meeting of the Lee Myung-bak administration on March 3 last year, I told the cabinet members that the Han Seung-soo cabinet should be a blue and white cabinet, a cabinet that works more on the ground than on the table, a cabinet that thinks and works together for the national interest rather than for the interests of ministries, and a mature world cabinet that raises the national profile. This also meant that all public officials should not forget that they are public servants working for the people and the country in their respective positions.
As I leave, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each and every member of the Cabinet for following the Prime Minister’s wishes and working with integrity and honesty as a “Cabinet of Hearts and Minds”; for listening to the smallest voices of the people as a “Cabinet of Sights and Sounds”; for discussing important decisions together as a “Cabinet of State Affairs”; and for striving to raise the dignity of Korea as a “Cabinet of Character. The situation in Korea and abroad immediately after the Prime Minister’s inauguration was indeed difficult, and the unexpected candlelight protests revealed the conflicts and turmoil in our society. Challenges such as artificial intelligence, oil prices exceeding $150, and an unprecedented global economic crisis were never ending. However, we have now wisely overcome various crises and unrest at home and abroad, and Korea is regarded as the first country in the world to recover from the economic crisis. This was only possible thanks to the trust and cooperation of the people. The stabilization of stock prices and foreign exchange and financial markets, as well as the enhancement of friendly relations with other countries, including the United States and Korea, are also great achievements.
The Green New Deal, which was promoted to address the global economic crisis and the climate change crisis simultaneously, played a major role in job creation and economic recovery, and enabled us to establish a national strategy to find solutions to the climate change problem, which is the future of mankind. Therefore, over the past year, we have shifted our growth paradigm from quantitative to qualitative growth based on a national vision of low-carbon green growth, and the establishment of the National Strategy for Green Growth and the Five-Year Plan will serve as an important foundation to guide Korea’s development in the future. Korea’s strategy for qualitative growth, or green growth, is now being recognized and appreciated by the world, including the United Nations and the OECD. This is because it is a three-pronged strategy that seeks to expand growth potential while ensuring environmental sustainability and contributing to the climate change negotiations that are at stake for the future of humanity.
The importance of R&D in the green growth paradigm cannot be overemphasized, as it is the convergence of new ideas, technological innovation, and the latest technologies that are key to the success of green growth. As a country with scarce energy resources, securing sustainable energy is key to investing in the future. I have endeavored to take this a step further and lay the foundation for Korea to become an energy exporter. We must combine energy and advanced technology to open up new opportunities for sustainable development.
Honorable citizens and public officials, I and all public officials are always mindful of the expectations and trust of the people. We will continue our efforts and passion for the Republic of Korea. I hope that you will never forget your dedication to the people, and that you will be more united and do your best for the bright future of the Republic of Korea.
Farewell. Thank you.

Prime Minister’s retirement greeting

Honorable citizens, members of the Cabinet and public servants from across the country,
I am now stepping down as Prime Minister and returning to my life as an ordinary Korean citizen. I would like to thank all of you who have encouraged me to do my best for the country. I would also like to express my gratitude and admiration to the public servants across the country who have worked with dedication to help me in my time of need. Without your warm encouragement and support, I would have faced even greater difficulties as I assumed the helm of national affairs at a time of turbulence in Korea and abroad.
I still have fond memories of trying to tie up the long-standing loose ends of the Yongsan case shortly after I took office. Creating jobs, removing educational restrictions, addressing the declining birthrate, social integration, and enhancing our national character are also key issues I have been working on. Fortunately, Korea’s economy is now recovering faster than any other country in the world from the depths of the global financial crisis. This is a precious result of the unity of the people and the government. Yes, it is. My ten months in office have been both short and long.
Most memorably, it has been a journey of economic recovery that I have been deeply committed to since the beginning of my tenure. Even in the midst of the global economic instability, thanks to the sincerity and hard work of our people, Korea was able to achieve a rapid economic recovery. This was possible because the people and the government worked together as one, and were not afraid to take on new challenges and innovations. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the people of Korea for pulling together in difficult times.
John Maynard Keynes once said, “The task of the economist in this age is to distinguish between what government ought to do and what it ought not to do.” It’s not just economists, but public servants as well. It’s a quote worth savoring, not just for economists, but for public servants as well. A government that does not do what it should do or a government that believes it can do everything is equally harmful to the country and its people. So, what should a good government do and what should it not do? Above all, shouldn’t it set the basic direction of its policies correctly and minimize the side effects or problems that may occur in the process? This is why communication and empathy with the people are important.
Public officials should implement our government’s vision of centrism, pragmatism, and civility into concrete policies in various aspects. It is the vocation of public officials in this era to resolve the polarization problem in our society to create a warmer society and a Korea where everyone lives well. The procedural legitimacy of policies that embody the national philosophy should never be neglected. As we pursue people-oriented, centrist policies, we will sometimes feel the need to calibrate the principles of a pure market economy. The problem is that it is easy to lose sight of the procedural legitimacy of policy implementation when we are motivated to realize policy effects early. It’s tempting to think that “well-intentioned governance is fine,” but isn’t it often said that “the ends do not justify the means?” In a democracy, all policies must be pursued in a just and legal manner. It’s always worth remembering that a policy that embodies the best philosophy in the world is unlikely to gain public acceptance or have the desired impact if it’s implemented incorrectly.
The concern for procedural legitimacy naturally prompts us to reflect more deeply on democracy. Democracy is the most fundamental value of our society, one that our predecessors and ourselves have fought to defend. As public officials, we must always be concerned about the abuse of state power and pay close attention to ensure that the dignity and fundamental rights of the people are not compromised in the slightest.
Even if it didn’t happen during my term, such an anachronistic event as the inspection of civilians is shameful and cannot be justified for any purpose or cause. The role of a democratic government in a modern society should not be limited to simply ensuring the life and liberty of its citizens. There are few responsibilities of government that should be prioritized as much as ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens and supporting the pursuit of happiness. The areas of concern for the Lee administration are many and wide. Social issues such as child sexual abuse, youth unemployment, soaring private education costs, and the growing polarization and inheritance of wealth and poverty are also urgent issues that must be addressed as they are directly related to people’s rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Dear public officials, the Lee Myung-bak administration is now entering the second half of its term, and a few days ago, a new cabinet was announced. I would like to congratulate you for your hard work and dedication to national affairs, and call on you to once again serve the people and assist the president like heaven.
Honored citizens, the great strength of our people is capable of anything, and I will serve as a counterweight to reconcile intergenerational, interclass, and inter-ideological conflicts wherever I go. It has been a pleasure to share sweat, tears, joy, and reward with you. I wish the Republic of Korea infinite development and the health and good fortune of its people.
Thank you.