Lee begins moves to tackle S. Korea economic ‘crisis'

South Korea's new President Lee Jae-myung held his first cabinet meeting on Thursday focused on devising an emergency package to address stagnating economic growth and aid households, moving swiftly to start tackling a top campaign pledge.

- 

Lee took office on Wednesday just hours after riding a wave of anger over a brief martial law imposed by Yoon Suk Yeol to win the snap election. The attempt at military rule led to Yoon's ouster and sent shockwaves through Asia's fourth-largest economy.

In brief remarks open to the media, Lee told the cabinet carried over from the caretaker government put in place following Yoon's impeachment in December that there was no time to waste in getting to work as the people were facing hardship.

Lee has so far only nominated a close political ally and legislative veteran as prime minister and is racing to form a cabinet and staff his office to maintain continuity in administration.

The new leader expressed bewilderment on Wednesday after walking into the presidential office to find it stripped of computers, printers and even pens and was quiet like “a graveyard” with government officials who had been assigned there sent back to their posts.

Most of the officials have been ordered back, Lee's spokesperson said on Thursday.