The state-run Korea Gas Corp. said on Monday that its president and CEO Choo Kang-soo has offered to resign.

In a press release, Choo said that he wants to step down to help South Korea open a "new era" following the inauguration of a new government, adding that he will follow the decision of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, which oversees the gas monopoly.

Choo served as vice president of a Hyundai unit and is known to be a close confidant to former President Lee Myung-bak, whose five-year term ended in February.

Following the inauguration of President Park Geun-hye, a number of public corporation heads employed by Lee have offered to resign.

Choo's decision is expected to prompt heads of 41 other public agencies under the ministry's supervision to resign from their posts, industry watchers forecast.

Park has called for efforts to ensure people who share the new government's governing philosophy become heads of pubic agencies and corporations. (Yonhap News)