Major Reorganization of Party Structure Appears Imminent

After the National Assembly passed the motion for the dismissal of Unification Minister Lim Dong-Won, the entire executive committee of the Democratic Party decided to resign while Cabinet members from the ULD also expressed their intention to step down. Reorganization of the party structure appears inevitable and imminent.

It is reported that President Kim Dae Jung canceled his schedule today after the motion passed and began plans for reorganizing the party.

Prime Minister Lee Han Dong expressed his intention to resign, saying, ``I will look at how the situation progresses today and tomorrow, and choose the most upright path according to political morals.`` The Democratic Party held an emergency meeting for top members. The executive committee members of the party, represented by Kim Jung-Kwon, decided to resign. The changes in the office of the Prime Minister and party representatives will cause a major reorganization of the party.

Meanwhile, ULD Honorary Chairman Kim Jong-Pil and Senior Press Secretary for the President avoided any direct comments on the Cabinet members from the ULD, saying ``Let`s see how things unfold.``

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com