Minister Chin Dae-je Unwelcome to Korean Public

President Roh Moo-hyun had a dinner meeting with the leadership of the ruling Millennium Democratic party (MDP) on Sunday, for the first time since the President took office, including Chung Dai-chul, head of the MDP, and Kim Won-ki, the president’s political advisor at Cheong Wa Dae, to discuss pending issues including the special prosecutor bill for the investigation on the secret transfer to the North, reform of the MDP, and restoration of the MDP’s consultative system.

Senior lawmakers of the MDP are reported to have suggested the dismissal of Information and Communication Minister Chin Dae-je, saying that public sentiment concerning Mr. Chin’s qualifications is worsening.

Regarding the special prosecutor bill, some insisted that Mr. Roh should exercise his veto right if the opposition Grand National Party (GNP) persistently refuses negotiations with the MDP for revision of the bill.

In response, President Roh revealed his position that he was going to seek support at a meeting with Park Hee-tae, acting chairman of the GNP, and called on the ruling party to have talks with the opposition party.

Those present at the dinner meeting were 14 lawmakers including Chairman Chung Dai-chul, Kim Won-ki, supreme council members Park Sang-cheon and Han Gwang-ok, Han Hwa-gap, and the MDP spokesperson.

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com