[Gwanga in] 'General Election Preparation' Kwon Young-se... Difficult Ministry of Unification Facing 'Decision to Break Up'

Turning Away Yongsan Public Sentiment... "Kwon's Determination to Return to the Party is Firm"
Ministry of Unification Struggles Amid Inter-Korean Tensions
Minister Replacement in Consideration... "Whoever Comes Lacks Gravitas"

The Ministry of Unification is facing a dilemma over the future of Minister Kwon Young-se. As a heavyweight figure within the ruling party, Kwon is credited with solidifying the Ministry of Unification's position, which was once subject to abolition talks. However, with his intention to run in the parliamentary general election next April, various speculations have emerged both inside and outside the ministry.

According to the Ministry of Unification and ruling party sources on the 21st, Minister Kwon recently emphasized the need for a cabinet reshuffle to the Presidential Office. A government official said, "The fact that a cabinet member himself requested a reshuffle means he intends to run in the general election," adding, "It is practically a resignation." On the 16th, Minister Kwon hinted at a return to Yeouido during an interview on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' stating, "Politicians ultimately must return to politics."

Minister of Unification Kwon Young-se [Photo by Yonhap News]

Minister Kwon, a four-term veteran lawmaker, currently represents Yongsan District in Seoul. Except for the strongly conservative Gangnam 3 districts, Yongsan is the only ruling party stronghold in Seoul and also the location of the Presidential Office, making it a crucial area to defend. However, public sentiment in the district has worsened due to the Presidential Office's relocation and was further affected by the 'Itaewon tragedy,' leading to unfavorable views toward the ruling party. Park Hee-young, the district mayor and a close aide, is effectively unable to perform his duties and is merely holding the position. This is why Minister Kwon needs to quickly return to his district to calm public sentiment.

Minister Kwon has consistently been mentioned as the top candidate for a return to the National Assembly. It is reported that his intention to run in the general election is stronger than his desire to remain at the Ministry of Unification. Some speculate that the Presidential Office might offer him the prime minister position or move him to head the National Intelligence Service. However, the prime minister role, seen as the president's shadow, is generally considered to hold little practical benefit for Minister Kwon. Regarding the National Intelligence Service, continuity in North Korea-related affairs and his experience during his prosecutor days are cited, but considering the political risks, this option is unlikely to be chosen.

In January of last year, Kwon Young-se, then head of the People Power Party's election campaign headquarters (right), and Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader, are talking before the joint meeting of the floor leadership.

A ruling party official said, "Since the launch of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, Minister Kwon has taken a clear stance on North Korea and security issues, leading the government's policy direction. However, since he has taken on such responsibilities, he feels there is little benefit and wants to shed the image of being a 'Yoon loyalist.'" The official added, "He served as the head of the election campaign headquarters and deputy chairman of the presidential transition committee during the presidential election, and receiving the Ministry of Unification post was probably not a fully satisfying outcome. His refusal of cabinet positions, including the prime ministership, and his desire to return to the National Assembly likely reflect this intention."

Even if his return to the party is decided, Minister Kwon's concerns are expected to continue. He is regarded as a gentle yet rational strategist. He was the one who mediated conflicts between pro-Lee and pro-Park factions within the conservative camp without belonging to any specific faction. However, this tendency to avoid making enemies is seen as a double-edged sword. From a politician's perspective, it means he lacks a 'definite faction' backing him. There is speculation that if the party leadership, centered around Kim Ki-hyun of the People Power Party, tries to check the return of 'veteran Kwon Young-se,' the calculations could become more complicated.

Struggling Amid Inter-Korean Tensions... Ministry of Unification Faces Replacement Dilemma

Minister Kwon Young-se briefing on the unauthorized operation of inter-Korean communication lines and Kaesong Industrial Complex
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Minister Kwon is generally evaluated as having struggled as the head of the Ministry of Unification. The ministry was embroiled in controversies such as the 'forced repatriation of North Korean fishermen' during the Moon Jae-in administration, which even led to calls for its abolition. Inter-Korean relations have remained tense since the breakdown of the Hanoi North Korea-U.S. summit in 2019. Although it has been a challenging period to achieve results, Minister Kwon is credited with efforts to correct the tilted principles between the two Koreas. In April this year, he issued a statement condemning North Korea for the first time in ten years as the Minister of Unification, and in November last year, he submitted an opinion to the Constitutional Court stating that the 'Law Prohibiting Leaflets to North Korea' is unconstitutional.

However, there have been criticisms regarding his organizational control. The government published the North Korean Human Rights Report for the first time in March this year, but it was later revealed that the English version included a disclaimer stating that "accuracy cannot be guaranteed." Although this was reportedly a mistake made at a lower approval level rather than by the minister himself, the incident led to an audit by the Presidential Office, leaving a blemish during his tenure.

Given Minister Kwon's significant influence, the Ministry of Unification's concerns run deep. The Presidential Office is also reportedly struggling to find a suitable replacement. Several candidates, including former Deputy Minister of Unification Kim Cheon-sik and Seoul National University professor Kim Byung-yeon, are being considered. If the deputy minister is also replaced, it is expected that Kang Jong-seok, Director of Planning and Coordination at the Ministry of Unification, or Baek Tae-hyun, Unification Secretary at the National Security Office and a former Ministry of Unification official, will fill the position.

A Ministry of Unification official said, "The forced repatriation incident caused employees to be investigated and audited, creating a very subdued atmosphere. It was only possible for the Ministry of Unification to raise its voice about these issues because of Minister Kwon." Another official added, "Whoever comes will find it difficult to fully replace his weight. From the ministry's perspective, the biggest concern this year is the national audit. If an issue arises that draws attention to the Ministry of Unification, it is questionable whether a new minister can respond effectively just months after appointment."