Quotations of the day

¡°Economic restructuring cannot be achieved with token acts, nor can there be any practice rounds; we are engaged in a cutthroat battle.¡± Former Finance and Economy Minister Lee Hun-Jae, strongly requesting the person in line for his post to continue with reforms.

¡°Minster Kim was hit by a stray bullet.¡± Chong Wa Dae official on Agriculture and Forestry Minister Kim Sung-Hoon, who was expected to serve another term, being replaced by Han Kap-Su, head of Korea Gas Corporation, who is known to be a close associate of Kim Jong-Pil, honorary chairman of the United Liberal Democrats.

¡°There are no plans to introduce a new reform blueprint.¡± Newly appointed Finance and Economy Minister Jin Nyum, explaining today that he would focus on effectively implementing current economic restructuring measures.

¡°Replacing cabinet members is simply another tactical stunt.¡± Lee Jung-Ja, head of HSBC`s Seoul branch, saying that a long-term strategy is needed to move ahead with complicated economic reforms.

¡°They barely managed to find someone for the post to oblige the ULD.¡± The major opposition Grand National Party, on ULD member Shin Kook-Hwan`s appointment as Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Energy.