Lee Hak-jae, the CEO of Incheon International Airport Corporation, resigned on the 25th, just four months before the end of his term, amidst increasing tensions with the government under President Lee Jae-myung. During a press conference held at Incheon Airport's Terminal 1, he clearly stated that he had no intention of running in the upcoming local elections, despite earlier speculation. He explained that his resignation was prompted by external pressures affecting his organization and the resulting distress among employees, claiming that the conflict had escalated to a point where his continued leadership would cause further harm to the staff.

In his resignation announcement, Lee expressed grievances about the treatment he faced from the government, particularly referencing an incident from December where he was criticized by President Lee Jae-myung during a ministerial report on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. He accused the government of 'humiliating' him during that interaction, which he claimed was unjust, stating that the work at Incheon Airport was being wrongly diminished. He also spoke out against perceived abuses of power concerning specific audits directed towards airport services, emphasizing a need for clarity on issues surrounding personnel interventions by the Ministry of Land.

Having previously served as a three-term member of the National Assembly under the former ruling parties, Lee was appointed as CEO during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration in 2023. Since the transition to the Lee Jae-myung government, he has been at odds with officials over matters of airport security and administrative authority. He has insinuated that the government's approach to his leadership was influenced by a desire to push him out, and he plans to hold a farewell ceremony at Incheon Airport on the 26th. Lee's resignation brings attention to the ongoing conflicts between public sectors and government oversight in South Korea, highlighting political tensions within key infrastructure management.