Ahn Byung-young-New Education Deputy Prime Minister, Cabinet Reshuffling with Two or Three Replacements on Sunday

President Roh Moo-hyun appointed Ahn Byung-young, professor of Public Administration at Yonsei University (62) as the new Deputy Prime Minister of Education. He will replace Yoon Deok-hong who resigned on December 23.

Jung Chan-yong, the presidential spokesman, in this morning’s daily briefing session said, “Ahn is a renowned scholar who has successfully promoted the education reform movement from 1995 to 1997 while serving as the Education Minister,” and added, “He is expected to deal with pending educational issues efficiently with his experience as a former Education Minister.”

Jung also announced that “a small-sized Cabinet reshuffling to replace two or three more government ministers will take place around December 28,” and that “though the reshuffling should take place after the budget draft has been approved, it can not be postponed any longer due to rising uncertainty regarding the funding budget.”

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com