Democrats "Welcome Moon Government Cabinet Reshuffle... Request Bipartisan Confirmation Hearings to Overcome National Crisis"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 4th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The Democratic Party of Korea has called on the opposition to "cooperate across party lines to overcome the national crisis" regarding the reshuffle of four ministries in the Moon Jae-in administration.

Kang Seon-woo, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated at a briefing on the afternoon of the 4th, "We welcome the reshuffle of four ministries in the Moon Jae-in government." He added, "This is an emergency situation due to the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). To overcome the current national crisis, stable policy implementation by the government is necessary. We ask for bipartisan cooperation during the confirmation hearings so that the appointees can work for the people as soon as possible."

Spokesperson Kang also emphasized that each nominee is well-qualified.

Regarding Jeon Hae-cheol, nominee for Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Kang said, "Jeon, who has diverse experience in government, party, and administration, is the right person to successfully carry out the Moon Jae-in government's national agenda and lead balanced development between central and local governments."

He continued, "Jeon is a three-term lawmaker who has held key party positions such as Supreme Council member and floor deputy leader. He has consistently worked for regional balanced development, including sponsoring amendments to the Local Autonomy Act and the Framework Act on Local Taxes to resolve financial disparities among autonomous districts. He also served as head of the party's Social Disaster Countermeasures Task Force, dedicating himself to creating a safer society," he added.

Regarding Byeon Chang-heum, nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Kang said, "He has served as president of the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation, director of the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements, and member of the National Balanced Development Committee, and is recognized for his rich theoretical and practical expertise in urban planning and housing." He added, "He understands the policy direction of the Moon Jae-in government and is expected to ensure the effectiveness of policies, realize stable housing for ordinary citizens, and promote balanced national development."

Regarding Kwon Deok-cheol, nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, Kang said, "He is an administrative expert and health and welfare policy specialist who has worked in various fields including health care, welfare, and planning at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and served as the first Vice Minister of Health and Welfare under the Moon Jae-in government." He added, "Based on his policy expertise, he will overcome the COVID-19 crisis, realize the Moon Jae-in government's inclusive welfare, and address pressing health, medical, and welfare issues."

Regarding Jeong Young-ae, nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Kang said, "She has made policy efforts to promote women's rights and gender equality in various fields, including serving as a director of the Korean Women's Foundation, president of the Korean Association of Women's Studies, and Chungbuk Provincial Women's Policy Officer." "Based on this experience, she is the right person to responsibly pursue the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family's goal of 'making equality a daily reality.' We expect her to promote policies for the advancement of women's rights, protection and support for children and youth, and a family-friendly society," he said.