[Exclusive] Han Deok-su: "All Minister Candidate Lists Discussed... Yoon to Grant Ministers Responsibility and Authority"

Former Prime Minister Ahead of Nomination as Next Government's First Prime Minister Candidate
"Specific Discussions on Minister Candidates... Granting Ministers Responsibility and Authority"

Han Duck-soo, former Prime Minister, who is expected to be nominated as the first Prime Minister of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] It has been confirmed that Han Duck-soo, the former Prime Minister nominated as the first Prime Minister of the new government, discussed specific ministerial appointment lists with President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol. It is known that President-elect Yoon clearly expressed his intention to grant greater responsibility and authority to the Prime Minister and each minister, as promised during his candidacy.

On the 3rd, former Prime Minister Han said in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "We also discussed specific lists for ministerial appointments (in the Yoon Seok-yeol government)," adding, "President-elect Yoon also stated, 'We must give responsibility and authority to each minister,' and 'I will entrust the cabinet with work in that manner.'" He continued, "The appointment of vice ministers in each department will proceed with ministers directly recommending candidates," and "The presidential office of the next government will support verification and other tasks."

It is reported that President-elect Yoon met with former Prime Minister Han the previous night to officially notify him of his nomination as Prime Minister candidate and had a comprehensive discussion on overall state affairs. Jang Je-won, the President-elect’s Chief Secretary, was also present at the meeting.

The granting of responsibility and authority to ministers is analyzed as a demonstration of the commitment to a responsible cabinet. Regarding the 'responsible Prime Minister system,' former Prime Minister Han said, "It is something the President-elect always emphasizes," adding, "It is important for the cabinet to have responsibility and authority so that it can work more effectively."

President-elect Yoon is scheduled to announce former Prime Minister Han as the first Prime Minister of the new government at a press conference held at the transition office in Tongui-dong, Seoul, in the afternoon. Former Prime Minister Han will also attend the press conference.

Born in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, former Prime Minister Han graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in economics and passed the civil service exam, following a traditional bureaucratic path. He served as Director-General for Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Presidential Chief Economic Secretary during the Kim Dae-jung administration. Under the Roh Moo-hyun administration, he served as Minister for Government Policy Coordination, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy, and Prime Minister. During the Lee Myung-bak administration, he served as Ambassador to the United States. President-elect Yoon is said to have selected former Prime Minister Han considering his expertise in economics and U.S. affairs, national unity, and experience.