Lee Seok-yeon announced on September 9 that he is resigning from his position as the President's National Unity Chief, ending his tenure after one year. ^[1] Lee Seok-yeon, the Chairman of the National Unity Committee, submitted his resignation on September 4, 2026, stating that he realized his thoughts and philosophy on national unity differed significantly from the government's. ^[2] Lee Seok-yeon cited fundamental philosophical differences with the government regarding national unity, stating he opposes treating those with different thoughts as enemies. ^[3] Lee Seok-yeon explained that he resigned after the President's staff informed him that the President had no intention of seeking his reappointment, despite regulations allowing for a two-year term. ^[4] Lee Seok-yeon stated that he believes President Lee Jae-myung and his inner circle view him as an obstacle to the smooth administration of the country. ^[5] Lee Seok-yeon publicly criticized the government's policy of abolishing the prosecution's supplementary investigation powers, stating that the President should exercise a veto. ^[6] Lee Seok-yeon publicly proposed that President Lee Jae-myung should return to being a 'President of the People' and even suggested he leave his party. ^[7] Lee Seok-yeon, a conservative former official who served as the Legal Affairs Chief under President Lee Myung-bak, was appointed to the National Unity Committee by President Lee Jae-myung to bridge conservative and moderate groups. ^[8]