Ministry of the Interior and Safety Expects Prolonged 'Minister Vacancy'... Announcement of Administrative System Reorganization Delayed

Han Deok-su Acting Prime Minister's 'Personnel Authority' Scope Controversy
Minister Vacancy Likely to Continue Until Constitutional Court Ruling
Mirae Committee Delays Announcement of Final Administrative Reform Plan

As President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment motion was passed in the National Assembly and the acting presidential system began, there are forecasts that the Ministry of the Interior and Safety will also face a prolonged 'ministerial vacancy.' The political turmoil has delayed major tasks for next year, including the reorganization of the administrative system.

According to political circles and government officials on the 16th, the acting minister system under Go Ki-dong at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety is expected to be maintained at least until the Constitutional Court delivers its impeachment ruling. If prolonged, it may become difficult to appoint a new minister until the next presidential election concludes. Since the authority of the acting president is not clearly defined, there is controversy over how far the highly sensitive 'personnel authority' can be exercised. The previous two acting presidents made appointments at the vice-minister level but never appointed ministers.

Even if a ministerial candidate is appointed, cooperation from the National Assembly, such as through confirmation hearings, is necessary. If the opposition party, which holds the majority of seats, strongly opposes, appointing a successor minister could become difficult. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said at a press conference the day before, "In the Republic of Korea, the acting system in case of vacancy or absence is firmly and well established," adding, "There is sufficient human capacity and systems in place, so we do not need to worry too much about the vacancy or absence of some public officials."

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety plans to focus intensively on disaster safety response and revitalizing the domestic economy under the acting minister system. Vice Minister Go held an emergency meeting with deputy heads of cities and provinces the day before, urging strengthened management of crowded sites, thorough disaster preparedness, and active fiscal execution in consumption and investment sectors.

However, long-term tasks led by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, such as administrative system reform and administrative integration, have been slightly delayed in their timelines. The final announcement of the future-oriented administrative system reform advisory committee, originally scheduled for the end of this month, will be rescheduled. A ministry official explained, "There was a discussion that it would be appropriate to announce the final plan when the government is in a position to fully review it."

The special law for administrative integration of Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK) is also unlikely to be proposed this year as initially targeted. The official said, "If Daegu and Gyeongbuk reach an agreement on the detailed contents of the bill, the government will also need to go through a review process," adding, "It will probably be difficult to submit the bill within this year." Nevertheless, the authorities emphasized that there is no change in the policy promotion plan. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety is currently forming an intergovernmental consultative body to support administrative system reform and TK administrative integration.