[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum dismissed the recent rumors of a "year-end cabinet reshuffle," which have been circulating mainly among some ministries, on the 22nd, saying, "There are only six months left in the administration, so what kind of reshuffle would there be? It doesn't make sense." He drew a line against the political circles' speculation about the possible withdrawal of some deputy prime ministers and ministers ahead of the local elections scheduled for June next year.
On the same day, Prime Minister Kim held a meeting with the press corps at the Sejong official residence and said, "Public office is a public servant to the people." This statement reflects his determination to manage state affairs stably until the end of the administration, as well as the practical judgment that personnel changes at the end of the term are difficult considering the schedules required for confirmation hearings and other procedures.
As the local elections in June next year approach, rumors have recently circulated within government circles about Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, running for governor of Gangwon Province. There are also rumors about Yoo Eun-hye, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, and Jeon Hae-cheol, Minister of the Interior and Safety, running for governor of Gyeonggi Province. The position of governor of Gyeonggi Province is currently vacant following the withdrawal of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate.
Although Prime Minister Kim dismissed the idea of a cabinet reshuffle involving new ministerial appointments, there is no means to force deputy prime ministers or ministers who have a strong intention to run for office to stay. According to the Public Official Election Act, those who wish to run for governor must resign at least 90 days before the election day, which means by March 3 next year.
However, Prime Minister Kim strongly criticized, saying, "If someone suddenly resigns now for such a reason (running for election), making it impossible for the government to prepare for the next personnel appointments, it will become a fatal handicap later," and added, "Public officials would be ridiculed by the people." He also said, "These people all have that level of common sense," and "They will consider it themselves, but no one has consulted me about their position yet."
In particular, regarding the speculation about Prime Minister Kim himself running for the presidential election, he strongly denied it, saying, "It is an insult to the people and absolutely unacceptable."
Meanwhile, on the issue of real estate, which is considered the biggest policy failure of the Moon Jae-in administration, Prime Minister Kim said, "We will carefully organize the painful experiences we have had so that the next government will not be dragged around by real estate speculation forces," and regarding the recent real estate situation, he assessed, "In the tense tug-of-war between buyers and sellers, there is no doubt that sellers have increased," and expressed confidence that "(the price rise) is slowing down."
Regarding the recent shortage crisis of diesel exhaust fluid, Prime Minister Kim admitted, "The criticism that the government's response was delayed is somewhat valid," and stated, "Taking this as a lesson, we will create indicators in the market for materials that are not strategic goods but may pose risks." He also mentioned that the government plans to monitor the supply and demand situation of about 1,000 essential items, excluding strategic goods separately stockpiled by the government, through regular monitoring.
The 'Second Public Institution Relocation Plan,' one of the long-standing regional projects, is expected to be passed on to the next government. Prime Minister Kim said, "It is practically difficult during the remaining six months of the government," but added, "We will draft a preliminary plan through the Balanced Development Committee and prepare so that the next government can start immediately."
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