South Korea's Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon has become the longest serving prime minister in the country's democratic history.<br />Thanks to his extensive political resume,... speculation mounts what role the prime minister will play with parliamentary elections upcoming in April next year.<br />Our political correspondent Kim Min-ji reports.<br />Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon has become the longest serving prime minister since South Korea adopted a direct presidential system in 1987 recording 881 days in office, as of Monday.<br />He's been on the job since the Moon Jae-in administration set sail in May 2017.<br />Lee overtakes the previous record of 880 days set by former prime minister Kim Hwang-sik... who served under the Lee Myung-bak administration.<br />The prime minister said it was an honor to hold such record,... but he also has his regrets.<br />It's a great honor to have such a title. I think I tried to give it my all, but looking at the outcome, I do have regrets. Data show there's been a recovery to some degree, but at the same time there are still people that are suffering. That hurts me. Lee a former journalist is known for his extensive political career having experience as the governor of Jeollanam-do province and as a four-term lawmaker.<br />He also recently took on a diplomatic role holding talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe... in the hope of easing bilateral tensions sparked by historical and trade issues.<br />Speculation is mounting over Lee's next potential move,... especially with general elections coming up next April.<br />Lee is also considered a potential presidential contender... as he leads various opinion polls as the strongest candidate from the ruling Democratic Party.<br />However, Lee has remained tight-lipped on the matter,... saying that for now,... he plans to do his best to reach out to those experiencing difficulties.<br />"I can't decide on my next step alone. I will work it out in a harmonious way."<br />Pundits say that the prime minister will likely run for the parliamentary elections next year on the ruling party ticket,... or take a role in the party's election campaign.<br />Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.<br />
