President Lee Jae Myung calls for eradication of corruption in South Korea

SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Friday called for the eradication of persistent corruption in political circles and among public officials, saying fairness is a prerequisite for the country's drive for growth.

The president issued the call during the first meeting of the anti-corruption policy conference under his administration, which was attended by the heads of 18 key government ministries and agencies.

"Things have improved significantly, but persistent corruption in political circles should be thoroughly scrutinized and rooted out," Lee said in his opening remarks at the meeting. "(The efforts) should be pursued unwaveringly until the public can sense that 'things have really changed.'"

Lee also stressed the importance of combating corruption among public officials, citing a 2025 global survey that ranked South Korea 31st in terms of fairness among 182 countries.

"The bigger and stronger the country's economic and national powers become, the higher the standard of integrity required of public officials," the president said, calling for the immediate redress of any corruption.

The president emphasized that maintaining a fair order domestically is a prerequisite as the country seeks to create an "irreplaceable South Korea," reiterating his push for the country to take the lead in emerging industries.

Lee was earlier expected to hear briefings from participants on ways to crack down on deep-rooted corrupt practices at local authorities and irregularities involving government contracts in two sessions.

Discussions were expected to include measures to prevent the misuse of state funds, such as the illegal receipt of subsidies, as well as corruption involving former government officials, according to the presidential office.