Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) President Jeon Yun-churl said yesterday he met with President Lee Myung-bak and submitted his resignation.
Jeon held a press conference that day at the BAI building in Seoul and said, I have an obligation to fulfill the four-year constitutional tenure as head of the BAI. But, I thought I should give the president a free hand in order to resolve key issues of the 21st century, in a situation where a new administration and a new National Assembly are inaugurated.
He also added, The president tried to dissuade me a couple of times. But I have no intention to withdraw my resignation offer even if the president refuses it.
Reappointed as BAI chief in November, he could have been at the audit agency until he reaches the retirement age of 70 in June 2009 had he not tendered resignation.
Former Agriculture Minister Lim Sang-kyu and former Justice Minister Song Jeong-ho are being considered as candidates for the position.