Finance Minister Choi Kyung-hwan says he is returning to the political sphere in a bid to change the economy.
 
He made the remark on Tuesday at a ceremony marking his leaving office at the government complex in Sejong City.
 
He recalled that his term of one-and-a-half years endured various adverse conditions, including the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Greece's financial turmoil, China’s economic slowdown, low oil prices and the U.S.’s interest rate hike.
 
Choi was quick to note however that amid such conditions, the nation’s employment rate jumped to its highest ever level and the civil servants’ pension system saw reform. He also said his term saw a grand compromise reached among the labor, management and government on labor reform. A rise in cigarette prices and a decision to levy income tax on clergy members were implemented under his time in office as well.
 
Choi expressed regret about not being able to create high-quality jobs for the youth and bring about an economic recovery that could be actually felt by the people.