Presidential Cabinet Reshuffling Imminent

An extensive reshuffling of the administration is expected to take place this week following the September 4 en masse resignations of all of the Cabinet officials including Prime Minister Lee Han-Dong, key figures in the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP) such as Chairman Kim Joong-Kwon, and the entire Presidential Aide Staff including Chief Aide Han Kwang-Ok.

President Kim Dae-Jung, who is planning the cabinet restructuring, is reportedly leaning toward reinstating Prime Minister Lee, also the United Liberal Democrats (ULD) chairman, despite the fact that the DJP ruling coalition has effectively collapsed in the wake of the passing of the dismissal motion against Minister of Unification Lim Dong-Won. The question of whether to keep MDP Leader Kim in office is also under review, according to sources.

A key source in the administration stated, ``President Kim holds Prime Minister Lee in very high regard for the faithful execution of his responsibilities in that office. Furthermore, no other suitable candidate has been identified yet, and even if another candidate is named for the position, it is unclear whether that person will be ratified by the Assembly.``

The official also commented, ``A close confidant to the President has been in contact with Prime Minister Lee in order to convey the request for him to remain in office.`` and further added, ``Prime Minister Lee`s decision will have an impact on the extent to which the administration will be reshuffled.``

``With respect to the Millennium Democratic Party, a change in the party leadership could easily increase the likelihood for unnecessary contention with regard to the next election. In this sense, the decision to keep party chairman Kim in office is also under serious consideration.``

In the event that Prime Minister Lee remains in office, it seems to be unavoidable for him to resign his position as chairman of the ULD. According to a spokesperson in the Prime Minister`s office,``Prime Minister Lee will make a prompt decision.`` and implied that he may accept the offer to stay on as PM. Meanwhile, a top member of the ULD party argued against the possibility, stating, ``Once the cabinet reshuffling process, including the necessary appointment procedures, are completed, Prime Minister Lee will certainly return to the ULD party.``

Meanwhile, President Kim will follow through with accepting the resignations of the other ministers from the ULD. In addition, President Kim may also replace some of the top MDP leaders and Presidential Aide Staff members in the process.

But from certain circles within the ruling party, some argue that a complete party restructuring must take place to include the posts of Prime Minister and Party Leader. A high-ranking official of the MDP stated, ``Because this is the first reshuffling since President Kim`s inauguration in which we are not represented together with the ULD, it is only reasonable that the entire Cabinet, Chong-Wa-Dae and Party offices be reviewed.``

Meanwhile, Presidential Press Secretary Park Joon-Young stated that ``the Cabinet reform will be announced and made before this coming weekend.``

The members of the Cabinet met this morning at the Seoul Sejongro Central Government Building and agreed to hand in their mass resignations. The Millennium Democratic Party also held an emergency top-level meeting in Yoido, Seoul and handed in the resignations of MDP Chairman Kim and other key party leaders from their leadership positions, and also recommended to President Kim that a sweeping reform of the MDP, Chong-Wa-Dae, and the Cabinet take place.

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com