Rumors of Cabinet Appointments Remain Unconfirmed for Some Figures
Concerns Grow Over Lack of Regional Representation
Sense of Betrayal Despite Overwhelming Local Support
Transitional Phase Leads to Deliberate Pace in Appointments
Possibility of Appointments Through National Recommendation System
Additional Appointments Expected After Prime Minister's Confirmation Hearing
There is growing backlash in the region as it has been reported that not a single individual from Gwangju or Jeonnam has been mentioned for positions in the Presidential Office or the inaugural cabinet of the Lee Jaemyung administration.
The local sentiment, which had shown overwhelming support during the '6·3 presidential election,' is now expressing a sense of betrayal, with concerns being raised about the lack of regional representation in the cabinet selection process.
According to local political circles on June 11, after the launch of the Lee Jaemyung administration, there were rumors within political circles about the possible cabinet appointments of several current National Assembly members and figures who had joined the presidential campaign, with some names even being mentioned explicitly.
In political and government circles, Representative Shin Jeonghun (Naju-Hwasun, Jeonnam) was mentioned as a candidate for Minister of the Interior and Safety, Representative Seo Samseok (Yeongam-Muan-Shinan, Jeonnam) for Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and Representative Ahn Dogeol (Dongnam-eul, Gwangju) for Minister of Economy and Finance. Additionally, Representative Park Kyuntaek (Gwangsan-gap, Gwangju) was rumored to be considered for Minister of Justice, and former Commissioner Jeong Eunkyung of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency was mentioned as a candidate for Minister of Health and Welfare.
However, since the Presidential Office began the official selection process, these names are no longer being mentioned in connection with the cabinet list.
In the case of Representative Shin Jeonghun, it is reported that he was offered a cabinet position but effectively declined, considering a run in next year's local elections. Analysts say he was reluctant to take on a ministerial post that would last only 8 to 10 months. Although there have been rumors about Representative Seo Samseok being offered the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs post, political circles say that his name has not been mentioned at all in official discussions.
The main issue is that the core of the current selection process is dominated by figures from Gyeonggi Province and Seongnam City, where President Lee previously worked. This has led to criticism that appointments are being made based on close associates rather than regional balance.
Some observers predict that, given the transitional situation in which even the confirmation hearing for the Prime Minister nominated by President Lee has not yet been completed, major appointments will be made sequentially rather than all at once, and that regional figures could be included in the process.
A National Assembly member from Jeonnam said, "At present, we are in a transitional period where even the Prime Minister's confirmation hearing has not been completed," and added, "Once the hearing for Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok is finished, I believe additional appointments will be made sequentially."
He continued, "The Prime Minister nominee and the Chief Presidential Secretary are coordinating cabinet appointments behind the scenes, and I understand that the selection of ministers and vice ministers is currently being paced. The National Policy Planning Committee, which serves as a transition team, will meet on the 12th, and I think the direction for cabinet appointments will be determined after that," he explained.
President Lee has stated that he will actively utilize the national recommendation system for major appointments, raising expectations. As the reorganization of the Presidential Office and the refinement of the national governance system are being carried out in advance, the recommendation process to identify current and former high-ranking officials and experts is underway. As a result, there is speculation that some key positions could be filled through the national recommendation system.
Regarding this, a Democratic Party official said, "Since Gwangju and Jeonnam gave overwhelming support, President Lee Jaemyung must not neglect the region," and added, "Looking at the atmosphere of the cabinet appointments so far, it seems that regional figures have been virtually excluded. Even though many capable individuals from the region were mentioned, if they are ultimately excluded from the final appointments, it will be difficult for local residents to accept."
A local political figure said, "I have heard that the Presidential Office is vetting some individuals, but I have not yet heard that any appointments have been finalized," and added, "There must be consideration commensurate with the overwhelming support, and even after the Prime Minister's confirmation hearing, regional balance must be reflected."
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