Presidential Office: "Cabinet Reshuffle Requires Considerable Physical Time"... Administrative Officer Who Drank and Drove Tenders Resignation

"Flexible Timing Considering External Schedules and Verification Procedures"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is answering questions during the 'National Address and Press Conference' held at the briefing room of the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul, on the morning of the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News.

The Presidential Office stated on the 22nd that President Yoon Seok-yeol will carry out a cabinet reshuffle next month, adding that "a considerable amount of physical time is required for personnel matters."

A Presidential Office official told reporters that day in response to questions about the timing of the reshuffle, "Personnel decisions must also consider external schedules such as the passage of budgets for people's livelihoods and the inauguration of the Trump new administration, and a considerable amount of physical time is needed for the verification process," explaining this.

The official also asked for "a more flexible view" regarding the timing of the reshuffle.

Earlier, at a press conference on the 7th, President Yoon said regarding the cabinet and Presidential Office personnel reorganization for government reform, "We have already begun scouting and verifying talent pools to show a renewed image through personnel changes at an appropriate time."

Additionally, the Presidential Office has begun the process of clearing out aides who have caused problems within the office as part of personnel reform. These are individuals identified by People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon as part of the "Kim Geon-hee line" and demanded to be purged.

Kang Ki-hoon, Senior Administrative Officer of the Office for National Planning, who caused controversy after returning to work despite disciplinary action for drunk driving, reportedly submitted his resignation yesterday. Kang sent messages to some reporters saying, "I resigned because I judged that now is the time to quit," and added, "Among the people I have seen so far, the person who worries about and loves the Republic of Korea the most is the President." He continued, "This is all I can say right now."

Previously, Kang Hoon, former Policy and Public Relations Secretary of the Presidential Office, who sparked a parachute controversy after applying for the position of President of the Korea Tourism Organization on the 8th, voluntarily withdrew his application.

A Presidential Office official said, "It is difficult to confirm the exact timing of Kang's resignation acceptance," and added, "The resignations of some aides can be interpreted as part of personnel reform."