The Reshuffle of Three Ministries

President Roh Moo-hyun appointed the former chairman of the ruling Uri party Chung Dong-young as minister of Unification, a lawmaker, Chung Dong-chae, as minister of Culture and Tourism, and the former floor leader of ruling Uri Party, Kim Keun-tae, as minister of Health and Welfare, respectively, on June 30.

President Roh granted a certificate of appointment to Lee Hae-chan, newly appointed prime minister, in the morning of June 30, and reshuffled the three ministries after receiving recommendations from Lee.

As the candidates for the next-presidential election, Chung, the former chairman, and Kim, the former floor leader, joined the cabinet, the attention of the ruling party will be directed to the cabinet and as a result, the operation of the national affairs of the ruling party is expected to experience considerable changes. “The cooperation between the National Assembly and the government will significantly improve as important figures in congress join the cabinet”, said Chung Chan-yong, chief secretary of human resources.

“We concluded that there isn’t an enough reason to change the minister yet,” said Chung, the chief secretary, denying the rumor that the defense minister will be changed. Concerning the opinion of the castigation of foreign affairs and security officials, which is connected to the Kim Sun-il tragedy, he said, “The details of the reshuffle will be decided after the investigation by the Board of Audit and Inspection, which will reveal who should be accountable for, and how much, is completed,” explained Chung, the chief secretary.

Meanwhile, President Roh appointed Kim Jong-min vice spokesman, a former reporter of Shisa-Journal, to succeed Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Yoon Tae-young, who resigned for health reasons. Spokesman Yoon has moved to the position of the president’s personal secretary.

Jung-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com