Mixed Responses to First Female PM

The public response to the Jul. 11 Cabinet reshuffle was mixed.

Finding significance in the appointment of the first-ever female prime minister, some expect a whole new approach in managing national affairs. But others note that the new prime minister`s competence as a politician and administrator has not been proven, and that the shakeup failed to form a reformative and neutral cabinet.

Korea Women`s Associations United(KWAU) said in a statement, "KWAU expects that Prime Minister nominee, Chang is able to responsibly manage national affairs since she does not belong to any political party or political faction."

Lee Kimhyun-sook, co-chairman of Women Making Peace said, "I am pleased to have the first female prime minister. Chang has maintained good relations with people and she is a person of loyalty and integrity. Thus she is well-qualified for the post."

Moon Jung-in, president of the graduate school of international studies at Yonsei University, said, "Her appointment was somewhat unexpected. But it seems appropriate to name Chang, who has been a rational academic administrator, as prime minister in the run up to the presidential election."

On the other hand, there is also mounting voice of concern and disappointment.

Lee Seo, who heads Citizens` Alliance for North Korean Human Rights expressed skepticism, saying, "It is disappointing to name Chang, who does not have any experience in politics and national affairs especially at a time when there are a number of critical issues to be solved such as corruption scandals involving the President`s sons, strained inter-Korean relations and political landscape in a fog in the run up to the presidential election." He added, "The Cabinet reshuffle was carried out for the sake of the President and his confidants, rather than the public who want reform and neutrality."

Park Chan-sung, secretary-general of the People`s Association to Prevent Overconsumption, said, "I am concerned that she could coordinate a number of pending problems and reflect the public opinion to her management of state affairs."

Professor Hyun taek-soo of Korea University said, "It is desirable to name a figure on the neutral line, but if she fails to stand on her own feet, the government will be come under fire for being politically motivated to garner women`s votes in presidential election."

Ko Gye-hyn, senior official in the Federation of Korean Industries argued, "The Cabinet reshuffle was a total mistake lacking professionalism and innovation. The vivid example is the reappointment of Justice Minister, who is not reform-minded, and the appointment of Health and Welfare Minister, who does not have expertise in the field."

Meanwhile, Lee Gugyeong-sook, policy advisor of the KWAU said, "I hope she would work to improve women`s rights and standard of living by coming up with measures to repeal male-oriented systems and to prevent the spread of prostitution."

Min-Hyuk Park mhpark@donga.com