Resigning Byeon Chang-heum... Taking Responsibility for LH Scandal, Steps Down After 109 Days

The Third Shortest-Serving Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
Resigns Just Over a Month After Announcing Resignation

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Byeon Chang-heum is attending the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun at the Government Complex Sejong in Sejong City on the morning of the 6th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] Byeon Changheum, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, will resign on the 16th, taking responsibility for the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) land speculation scandal. It will be 109 days since his inauguration.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Minister Byeon is scheduled to hold a farewell ceremony at the Government Sejong Complex around 5 p.m. on the same day.

Usually, an incumbent minister waits until the successor minister is confirmed through a confirmation hearing before resigning, but Minister Byeon decided to set an early resignation schedule and leave the ministry.

The Blue House is reportedly planning a cabinet reshuffle on the same day, including appointing the next Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The ministry will be operated under an acting vice minister system until the new minister takes office.

Minister Byeon took office on December 29 of last year. Resigning after 109 days in office, he will be recorded as the third shortest-serving Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in history.

Earlier, on the 12th of last month, Minister Byeon expressed his intention to resign as suspicions of land speculation by LH employees spread. This was to take responsibility for failing to properly manage the organization as the former LH president.

In response, then-President Moon Jaein effectively accepted his resignation but extended his tenure temporarily, stating, "Minister Byeon must complete the groundwork for legislation related to the public-led housing supply measures he promoted."