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

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

Han Duck-soo, former Prime Minister, nominated as the first Prime Minister candidate 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. As promised during his candidacy, President-elect Yoon clearly expressed his intention to grant greater responsibility and authority to the Prime Minister and each minister.

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, "Regarding the appointment of vice ministers for each department, the ministers will directly recommend candidates, and the presidential office in the next government will support verification and other processes."

It is known 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 comprehensive discussions 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 commitment to a responsible cabinet. Regarding the "responsible Prime Minister system," former Prime Minister Han said, "This 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 as Presidential Chief Economic Secretary under the Kim Dae-jung administration. During 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. Under 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.

Following the nomination of the Prime Minister candidate, the appointment process for the first cabinet, including the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, is expected to accelerate. Regarding appointments for economic and diplomatic/security lines, former Prime Minister Han said, "It will be very predictable." Among the candidates for Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs are Representative Chu Kyung-ho and former First Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok. For the diplomatic and security lines, former Vice Foreign Minister Kim Sung-han and Representatives Park Jin and Cho Tae-yong are mentioned. Former Prime Minister Han said, "One of those individuals will be selected." Accordingly, ministerial candidates are also expected to be announced soon.

The President-elect’s side has internally narrowed down candidates for ministers in about 15 out of the 18 ministries based on the current government’s structure, excluding 2 to 3 ministries, aiming to announce most ministerial candidates by April 10.