Among the first cabinet appointments of the Lee Jaemyung administration, the most notable figure is Song Miryeong, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Breaking with the tradition of replacing previous ministers with each change of administration, her retention has been described as unusual both within and outside political circles. However, within government circles, her reputation as someone who is “easy to communicate with,” President Lee Jaemyung’s emphasis on pragmatism in governance, and the complex issues facing agricultural policy are all seen as convincing reasons for this functional appointment.
"Not Someone Who Says No Unconditionally"
There are several reasons for Minister Song’s retention, but both government officials and politicians most often point to her “attitude.” On June 24, a government official stated, “There can be differences of opinion on policy, but Minister Song is not someone who simply says no without consideration.” While agricultural policy is always fraught with conflicting interests, she is known for approaching each issue by proposing alternatives rather than drawing hard lines for or against any given proposal.
Even during the previous administration’s highly controversial attempt to revise the Grain Management Act, Minister Song made her opposition clear, but also methodically addressed concerns such as the potential undermining of market functions, and recommended that the President request a reconsideration. In the current administration, she is reported to have proposed concrete alternatives, such as a supply-adjusted purchase system. Both inside and outside the civil service, her practical, work-focused approach is credited with increasing the likelihood of policy coordination and earning the trust of the new administration.
Another senior official at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said, “Minister Song is not someone who begins with unconditional opposition to any issue,” adding, “There is an internal consensus that she is communicative and capable of coordination.”
The immediate reason for President Lee’s decision to retain her is said to have been her remarks at a recent cabinet meeting. According to the presidential office, Minister Song spoke assertively on issues such as agricultural product supply, rural disaster response, and food security, and President Lee reportedly commented that he was “very impressed with her competence.”
Minister Song’s retention is seen not only as a personnel decision but also as a symbolic example of the direction of the Lee Jaemyung administration’s personnel policy. Typically, it is customary for ministers from the previous government to be replaced during a change of administration, but this time the principle of “ability over political affiliation” was actually applied.
Especially as conflicts between the ruling and opposition parties over agricultural policy persist, retaining an official appointed by the Yoon Sukyeol administration is also interpreted as a signal to reduce conflict across government operations. Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary, also emphasized, “We looked at how much a person could agree with and contribute to the new administration’s direction, rather than whether they were from a previous government,” adding, “This is the first case where we have evaluated based on pragmatism rather than political affiliation.”
Attitude Revealed in Crisis... Leadership of Reflection and Recovery
Minister Song faced criticism late last year when it was revealed that she attended a cabinet meeting related to the “martial law review” controversy. However, she immediately apologized, stating, “I was not aware that it was a meeting related to martial law, and at the time, I attended without being briefed on the agenda. I should not have been there. I sincerely apologize to the public.”
A presidential office official commented, “She was the only minister at the time to clearly state her position,” and added, “This is seen as a case where trust was restored through genuine reflection, not just a simple explanation.”
During a change of administration and the formation of new leadership, “crisis response capability” is as important as competence. Minister Song’s swift apology and her proactive role in subsequent cabinet meetings align with the Lee Jaemyung administration’s strategy of building trust.
However, retention does not equate to a free pass. On the contrary, some point out that the real test begins now. Most immediately, there remains the task of recalibrating the direction of the Grain Management Act revision to align with the new administration’s policy. Striking a balance between stabilizing the rice market and ensuring food security, while protecting both market functions and farmers, will not be easy. The alternatives previously proposed by Minister Song are likely to return to the discussion table.
In addition, structural transformation challenges such as aging rural populations, the climate crisis, and rural depopulation remain significant, and major tasks such as attracting young farmers, reforming digital agricultural policies, and fostering regional circular economies are still pending.
Furthermore, Minister Song will have to overcome opposition from farmers’ organizations and some progressive parties, who issued critical statements immediately after her retention was announced. There are calls for her to rebuild trust through tangible policy achievements and communication, rather than just messaging. A political insider commented, “Now, what matters is the results shown in the field, not just remarks at cabinet meetings. If she fails to persuade farmers, the significance of her retention will inevitably diminish. Especially as she is an official carried over from the previous administration, if she does not prove herself through results, political accountability could quickly become an issue. To maintain her reputation as a communicative minister, she must deliver results.”
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