Retired ministers ponder next moves

A number of ministers were sacked in August 7`s cabinet reshuffle, and they embarking on transitions in their lives and pondering what to do next.

Lee Hun-Jae, former finance-economy minister, is hospitalized with an illness and is expected to be released from the hospital August 9. His treatment was successful, but he must be tired of the government work he did the past two and a half years.

Lee is expected to visit the United States for a while to relax, but his plans after that are yet to be finalized. There are many research institutes or private companies that could use his expertise, but he said that he would like to relax for the time being.

Former Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy Kim Young-Ho said that he realized the tough wall that is politics. He will remain busy. Previously, Kim said that he wished to return as a college professor, but he hasn`t decided his course.

It is unclear whether he will return to Kyungbuk University or go to Japan, where he is recognized as a specialist on Northeast Asian affairs.