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Lee Ju-ho, acting president and Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, arrives at the Government Complex Seoul on May 2. / Source: Yonhap News

Lee Ju-ho, acting president and Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, pledged on May 2 to minimize the vacuum in state affairs and ensure stable governance following the resignations of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho.

“I feel a profound sense of responsibility upon taking on this heavy duty,” Lee said, speaking to reporters as he arrived at the Government Complex Seoul. “State affairs are managed through a system, and I will do everything possible to keep the government functioning without disruption.”

With just over a month remaining before the presidential election, Lee stressed that managing a fair and orderly vote would be his top priority.

Addressing concerns about potential gaps in foreign, security, and trade policy leadership, Lee said, “We will maintain stable operations through close coordination with the National Assembly and cabinet members.”

He also addressed the ongoing turmoil surrounding medical education reform, reiterating, “Medical students must return to their studies, and we will enforce strict academic management to restore normalcy in education.”

Earlier that morning, Lee presided over a full meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), where he instructed all ministries to remain vigilant and fully prepared in their security posture.

“Protecting the safety of the nation and its people is the government’s most fundamental duty,” Lee said. “The NSC must respond without any gaps to all possible threats.”

He further emphasized the importance of deterrence against provocations from North Korea, calling for full readiness across diplomatic, military, economic, and security sectors. He urged embassies abroad to enhance their crisis management protocols and called for all government agencies to act in unity with the national interest as their highest priority.