Cheong Wa Dae “New Member Entry, Not a Cabinet Reshuffle“

Minister of Health and Welfare Kim Won-Gil, who is presently preparing to run as Mayor of Seoul, reportedly announced to President Kim Dae-Jung his intention to return to the NMDP.

Minister Kim`s aids stated, "Minister Kim plans to formally communicate to President Kim his intention to return to the NMDP after major issues such as Heatlth Insurance become resolved in the National Assembly."

A Cheong Wa Dae high ranking official stated, "We know that Minister Kim has already communicated to the Cheong Wa Dae his intention to return to the party. President Kim will take definite steps this month to appoint a new minister of Health and Welfare."

Another Cheong Wa Dae official stated, "In case other ministers decide to run for a regional electoral race, thing will reshuffle. But President Kim has no intention of reorganizing the cabinet with regard to the Prime Minister and other ministers at the present time."

ysmo@donga.com