Private Talk with National Assembly Speaker Emphasizes Need to Improve Confirmation Hearing System... Blue House "Will Not Mention Personnel Issues in Advance"
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "Even if the person is willing, there have been cases where family opposition prevented bringing in good people." This statement made by President Moon Jae-in during a private meeting with National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok on the 28th has attracted attention. This is because the 'spark of a cabinet reshuffle' sensed inside and outside the Blue House has been revived through President Moon.
President Moon said, "It is really not easy to bring in good talent. There is actually a phenomenon of avoiding confirmation hearings." This expresses regret over how the National Assembly confirmation hearings have deteriorated into so-called 'digging into personal backgrounds' rather than verifying the qualifications and abilities of ministers. President Moon conveyed that at least in the next administration, confirmation hearings should be conducted based on an improved system.
A senior Blue House official explained, "Although it is a very urgent task, the revision bill for the confirmation hearing law is not yet being properly discussed in the National Assembly," adding, "(President Moon) judged it to be truly urgent and therefore made the statement."
While this can be seen as the president expressing his thoughts on the confirmation hearing system, the content and timing of the remarks are leading to subtle repercussions. The statement that it is not easy to bring in good talent can also be interpreted as indicating difficulties in the cabinet reshuffle preparation process.
In fact, in the political circles of Yeouido, there have been continuous rumors about the possible replacement of long-serving ministers who have served throughout President Moon’s term, such as Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Hyun-mi.
With the Seoul mayoral by-election scheduled for April next year, the possible replacement of Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae and Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun, who are mentioned as strong candidates, is also a focal point of interest. If the scope of the reshuffle expands, there are also speculations that Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun and Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min could be included.
The Blue House’s stance regarding the cabinet reshuffle issue is that speculation should be restrained. Contrary to external views that a reshuffle is imminent, the Blue House’s working departments explain that it is difficult to find any movements related to the reshuffle. This reaction from the Blue House may reflect the nature of personnel matters, where confidentiality is paramount. Even if preparations for the reshuffle have progressed considerably, such information cannot be disclosed before an official announcement.
Although interest in the cabinet reshuffle has grown again due to President Moon’s remarks, the Blue House is being reserved. A senior Blue House official said, "We will not comment in advance on personnel matters, including whether there will be a reshuffle or not."
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