Announcement of Organizational Restructuring After Chief Secretary Replacement
"Additional Verification Needed Considering Public Opinion"
Lee Gwan-seop, Chief of Staff to the President, is heading to the microphone on the morning of the 11th at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul to give a briefing related to the 22nd general election. [Image source=Yonhap News]
President Yoon Suk-yeol, after signaling a personnel reshuffle following the April 10 general election defeat, is reportedly in the final stages of careful consideration regarding the successors for Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and the Chief of Staff. As this is the first step toward government reform, there is close monitoring of public opinion trends and a more cautious approach to the vetting process.
A senior official from the Presidential Office told Asia Economy on the 14th, regarding the successors for the Prime Minister and Chief of Staff, "Since these are important positions, the President is known to be repeatedly deliberating," adding, "As this is the first phase of personnel reform, more time is needed for thorough vetting." Although there were media speculations the day before that President Yoon might replace the Chief of Staff as early as today, additional time is required for the verification process.
In particular, with public attention focused especially from the opposition parties, there is concern that rushing to announce the successor early could backfire if issues arise during vetting. Considering that the opposition’s concentrated attacks could continue and public sentiment might worsen, a cautious approach is being sensed.
Among the candidates frequently mentioned, some have undergone National Assembly confirmation hearings, but others have not, so additional vetting time is reportedly necessary. Another Presidential Office official hinted, "Some candidates mentioned in the rumors are just that?rumors?and may have no actual connection to the verified candidates."
Within the ruling party, there is also a view that attention should be paid to who will serve as the next Speaker of the National Assembly for the successor Prime Minister appointment. Following the general election results, the Democratic Party of Korea retained its position as the largest party in the 22nd National Assembly, and the next Speaker of the National Assembly, who ranks second in the national protocol order, will also be from the Democratic Party. Within the party, six-term lawmakers Chu Mi-ae (Gyeonggi Hanam-gap) and Jo Jeong-sik (Gyeonggi Siheung-eul) are being strongly mentioned, but some voices suggest that it is necessary to carefully consider which individual is suitable for compromise.
Since both elected officials have six terms and are of similar seniority, considering their ages, they could each serve as Speaker in the first and second halves of the term. Given that Chu was born in 1957 and Jo in 1963, it is likely that Chu will become Speaker first. The ruling party thus faces the task of carefully reviewing the big picture and deciding on the scope of personnel appointments, including the future Prime Minister appointment.
The Presidential Office plans to first replace the Chief of Staff and then proceed with organizational restructuring, as personnel reform is urgent.
A Presidential Office official said, "On the 11th, right after the general election, all senior secretaries, including the Chief of Staff, tendered their resignations, and it is likely that some of these resignations will be accepted," adding, "When a new Chief of Staff arrives, organizational restructuring is also likely to proceed naturally." It is expected that after the new Chief of Staff takes office, there will be active discussions on strengthening the functions of the Political Affairs and Public Relations offices, as well as establishing a second secretariat to assist First Lady Kim Keon-hee’s related duties, which was considered for installation in January.
A Presidential Office official added, "The President plans to announce a specific stance on the election defeat and future government operation methods, but it has not yet been decided whether this will take the form of a national address or remarks at a Cabinet meeting."
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