Sometimes things just don't run right for politicians.
Lee Wan-koo only became prime minister of South Korea in February after a tough parliamentary fight for confirmation, during which a recording of him surfaced in which he boasted of his ability to suppress bad press coverage.
The recording of how he could soften bad news became... bad news.
And then, two months into the job, a construction tycoon, Sung Wan-jong,committed suicide amid swirling allegations of corruption.
Mr Sung left a suicide note - a suicide accusation, would be more accurate - in which he named those whom he claimed had taken his tainted money.
The South Korean prime minister's name was on that list.
The resignation came shortly after the prime minister had declared an "all-out war" on corruption, saying the government would mobilise all its resources to root it out.
Mr Lee initially showed no sign of vacating his seat, denying the allegations - and then after a weekend of feverish speculation - he offered his resignation, still denying the allegations.
Damage to president
It should be said that the prime minister is not the most powerful person in the land - that is the president - but the prime minister is her right-hand man.
He recommends ministers and oversees the daily routine of government. He is next in line if she falls in an emergency.
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