President Moon, Will He Choose Kim Boo-kyum as Prime Minister?

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun's Resignation Intention, Cabinet Reshuffle and Blue House Reorganization Countdown... Economic Ministry Minister Changes Expected, Focus on Deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki's Position

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] With the replacement of Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun becoming certain, former Minister of the Interior and Safety Kim Boo-kyum is emerging as the leading candidate for the next prime minister.

President Moon Jae-in is expected to carry out a cabinet reshuffle, including the replacement of the prime minister, as early as the 16th, along with a reorganization of the Blue House secretariat. While changes are anticipated among the long-serving ministers in economic departments, attention is also focused on the future of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki.

Chung, who is among the ruling party’s presidential candidates, has firmly expressed his intention to resign and is preparing for a new political choice. Considering next week’s National Assembly government questioning schedule, there was speculation that the timing of Chung’s replacement might be delayed. However, the focus is shifting toward including the prime minister in this cabinet reshuffle.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In political circles, curiosity is growing about the 'last prime minister' who will serve the remainder of President Moon’s term. Summarizing the currents inside and outside the ruling party, the most likely candidate emerging is former Minister Kim Boo-kyum. Kim, whose political base is in Daegu, represents a regional balance in appointments.

Kim has long been mentioned as a leading candidate whenever the prime minister is replaced, based on his extensive political experience and administrative background. He is regarded as a figure with proven political skills and administrative ability, as well as a unifying personality capable of communicating with opposition figures.

Although Kim is being considered as the leading candidate, there remains the possibility of appointing economic experts such as former Korea International Trade Association Chairman Kim Young-joo or even a female prime minister.

If Chung steps down, there is speculation that Deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki might serve as acting prime minister. This also implies that Hong may not be replaced.

Other likely targets for the cabinet reshuffle include the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as the top priority, with possible replacements also for the Ministers of Employment and Labor, Trade, Industry and Energy, Oceans and Fisheries, and Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. It is also a matter of interest whether President Moon will favor bureaucrats or appoint politicians.

President Moon is also expected to reorganize his Blue House aides, including the Senior Secretary for Political Affairs. Former Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Cheol-hee is being mentioned as a successor to Senior Secretary Choi Jae-sung, who has expressed his intention to resign. Legal Secretary Kim Young-sik is also expected to be replaced in this reshuffle. There is speculation that the scale of secretary replacements will be larger than expected.

The Blue House plans to finalize the timing of the cabinet reshuffle as soon as the expanded economic ministers’ meeting chaired by President Moon concludes on the 15th. The cabinet reshuffle and Blue House reorganization may take place simultaneously on the 16th, or the reshuffle may occur first, followed by the Blue House reorganization after a time gap.