Cabinet reshuffle expected next week

The expected cabinet reorganization marking the end of the first half of Kim Dae-Jung`s administration is likely to be announced sometime next week, later than originally scheduled.

Many expect the reshuffle to be across-the-board. In particular there have been rumors that most of the personnel in the economic advisory team will be replaced.

"It is not the question of their ability, but there has been a lack of teamwork by the economic team, which failed to regain the trust of the people in the market,¡± A source in the ruling party said. ¡°Their replacement is inevitable."

The inter-Korean Summit security personnel team, which came under heavy criticism after the summit, seems also to be a likely candidate for complete replacement. Also most likely to face replacement are the minister of education, who will have a new responsibility, and the minister of health and welfare and the minister of labor, who failed to adequately study and prepare for the medical reform leading to the current stalemate in the medical community.

For the position of economic cabinet chief, two candidates are at the forefront as possible replacements: former Deputy Minister of the Health and Welfare Kim Jong-In and Minister of Budget Finance and Planning Jin Nyum.

For the position of education cabinet minister, a reform-minded prominent figure in the current administration with political influence is expected to be named.

Among the Chongwadae senior aides, various names such as the economic senior aide Lee Ki-Ho, Diplomatic Security`s Hwang Won-Tak, Education and Culture`s Cho Kyu-Hyang, and Labor and Welfare`s Kim Yoo-Bae have been considered for reshuffling or replacement to promote reform and functionality.

A prominent source in the ruling party also revealed that Director of State Affairs Lim Dong-Won, Minister of Culture and Tourism Park Ji-Won and Chief Secretary Han Kwang-Ok would retain their positions.