President Considering More Cabinet Reshuffle

President Kim Dae-Jung is reported to consider a cabinet reshuffle this weekend or early next week.

A high-ranking official in the presidential office of Chungwadae said on the 8th, "President Kim is still mulling over cabinet reshuffle. He has yet to make up his mind, so it will take time. But the picture will become clear this weekend or early next week."

Another Chungwadae official indicated a possibility of a larger scale cabinet overhaul than expected. He said, "The reason President Kim`s decision has been delayed is that he is considering a cabinet reshuffle in a bigger framework."

Some people predict that Prime Minister Lee Hand-dong may be replaced. But Chungwadae officials say that President Kim has yet to decide on the matter.

After presiding over the cabinet meeting today, President Kim will be briefed by Prime Minister Lee, where the President is expected to discuss matters related to cabinet overhaul with cabinet members.

Up for a change are Defense Minister Kim Dong-shin, who has been under fire for his failure to handle the West Sea skirmish, Justice Minister Song Jeong-ho and Minister of Government Administration and Home Affairs Lee Keun-shik, whose portfolios are related to election management.

Chol-Hi Lee klimt@donga.com