Lee Jae Myung declares presidential office a 'graveyard'

South Korea witnessed a notable political transition when Lee Jae Myung was sworn in as president on December 14, 2023, following a snap presidential election. Lee emerged victorious against his rival, Kim Moon Soo, capitalizing on widespread public discontent stemming from the chaos resulting from former president Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law attempt a few weeks earlier. Upon taking office, Lee expressed disbelief at the inadequacies within the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, which he described as a 'graveyard' lacking even the most basic office supplies like computers and pens. The stark absence of organizational structure in the office has been attributed to actions taken by the previous administration, which failed to provide for a transitional system after Yoon's impeachment. Following his inauguration, Lee expressed intentions to return to the iconic Blue House, which Yoon abandoned during his term, pending renovations as he identified security concerns within the current location. As Lee’s administration begins its term, it faces daunting challenges, including revitalizing a struggling economy exacerbated by external pressures from global trade dynamics. Early in his presidency, Lee has begun appointing key officials to his cabinet, appointing Kim Min Seok as prime minister and Kang Hoon Sik as chief of staff, signaling a swift move to establish a functional government.